Inp.polri.go.id - Semarang.  The Semarang Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) reported on Friday (15/3/2024) that flash floods have affected 158,000 residents across the city. Endro Martanto, the Head of BPBD Semarang, said that heavy rainfall triggered flooding in 30 sub-districts on Wednesday, which decreased to 17 by Friday, according to antaranews.com. "We're witnessing a decline in floodwaters," he said, emphasizing ongoing efforts by a joint team to evacuate victims and provide food aid, prioritizing cooked meals and utilizing inflatable boats for logistics delivery. Trimulyo Sub-district bore the brunt of the impact, with floodwaters surpassing one meter in height, Endro added. Semarang, Central Java's capital, has endured recurring flooding in recent years. In 2021, extreme rainfall and tidal flooding inundated areas like Old Town, prompting the central government to implement measures, including drainage system revitalization. These initiatives are critical given Semarang's vulnerability to flooding, with the 2021 rainfall classified as a 50-year recurrence interval, as previously stated by Public Works and Housing Minister Basoeki Hadimoeljono. (mg/inp/pr/nm)