Disastrous Flash Floods Destroy Homes in Cireundeu Traditional Village
A catastrophic flash flood has wreaked havoc on the community of Kampung Cireundeu, RT 02/RW 10, in the Leuwigajah Village, South Cimahi District, Cimahi City, West Java on Friday (7/3/2025). The relentless force of nature left six homes in ruins and caused injuries to two individuals. The aftermath of this natural disaster paints a grim picture of devastation and resilience in the face of adversity.
As the rain poured down relentlessly, two residents found themselves at the mercy of a collapsing wall that could not withstand the deluge of water invading their homes. Khoeruman, a 27-year-old local, recounts his harrowing experience of trying to clear a blocked drain behind his house during the heavy downpour. Little did he know that the wall behind his home would crumble under the pressure of the onrushing floodwaters. “I was fixing the drain around 5:30 p.m. because it was clogged, and I was worried about water entering the house. Suddenly, the back wall collapsed,” Khoeruman shared.
The flash flood that swept through the residential area of Kampung Adat Cireundeu was triggered by the overflow of water from a substantial drainage system in the neighborhood. Khoeruman noticed warning signs before disaster struck, such as a neighbor’s leaning house and water spraying from cracks in the walls. Then, without warning, a deluge of water gushed forth, followed by the collapse of walls. “When I saw the wall collapse, I immediately stepped back. I did get hit on the leg, so my knee was injured. Thankfully, I survived without being crushed. My neighbor also sustained injuries to the leg,” he added.
In the wake of this calamity, the local Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in Cimahi City swiftly mobilized to assess the situation and provide assistance to the affected residents. The team worked diligently to clear debris blocking drainage channels and secure the area. Rohmat, the Head of Emergency and Logistics at the BPBD in Cimahi City, shed light on the situation, stating, “In RW 10 Cireundeu, a flash flood occurred due to heavy rainfall, resulting in 6 houses collapsing at the back walls. Additionally, 2 individuals sustained minor injuries.”
Rohmat elaborated on the causes of the flash flood, attributing it to the combination of intense rainfall and debris from a recent landslide at the Retaining Wall. “As a result, the water overflowed into the residents’ homes and breached the back walls due to the lack of drainage outlets. The magnitude of the water eventually caused the walls to collapse,” Rohmat explained. The diligent efforts of the BPBD team were crucial in mitigating the immediate impact of the disaster and providing relief to the affected families.
The resilience and fortitude displayed by the residents of Kampung Cireundeu in the face of such adversity serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. As the community bands together to rebuild and recover from the devastation caused by the flash flood, their unwavering resolve shines through. The road to recovery may be long and arduous, but with solidarity and support, they will emerge stronger than before.
