The government of Batu city, East Java province, has begun to rebuild and repair residents’ homes which were damaged by flash floods on November 4, 2021.

“Currently, we are renovating the mildly, moderately, and severely damaged houses,” Deputy Mayor of Batu city, Punjul Santoso, informed here on Monday.

At least 31 houses in the city had suffered damage in the floods.

Furthermore, eight houses had drifted away in the flood, Santoso said.

For owners of the homes that drifted away who already have an empty plot of land at another location, the government will soon build a replacement house on the plot, he informed.

Five of the residents have prepared their own land, he said.

“Meanwhile, for those who do not own any land, we will buy them land first and build their house later,” the deputy mayor added.

Furthermore, volunteers and Batu city flash flood mitigation team are working on the renovation and construction of the houses, he said.

“Apart from the local community, the volunteers also come from Ngantang sub-district, Malang district; Ngawi district; and Banyumas district. It aims to help the victims to return to their houses soon,” he added.

The materials to build the houses will be obtained using aid funds channeled through the Batu City Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), he disclosed.

“My previous land is located down below. Hence, I do not dare to build a house there anymore,” said Riyanto, one of the residents affected by the disaster. His new 6×6 meters house is currently under construction.

According to Batu city BPBD, the flash flood caused heavy damage to 12 houses, moderate damage to 5 houses, and mild damage to 14 houses.

It also washed away 46 two-wheeled vehicles and 11 four-wheeled vehicles as well as destroyed 9 cattle sheds, resulting in the loss of hundreds of livestock, officials said.

In addition, the disaster affected agricultural land in Sumbergondo, Sidomulyo, Bumiaji, Pandanrejo, Torongrejo, Giripurno, and Bulukerto villages, they added.

Source: Antara News