Karawang Levee Breach Displaces 3,368 Amid Week-long Floods

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A critical levee breach in Karawang Regency, West Java, has forced 3,368 residents into emergency shelters as floodwaters continue to devastate the region for over a week. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported on Monday, February 2, 2026, that the disaster, initially triggered by torrential rainfall, was severely exacerbated by a structural failure at the Muara Village riverbank in Cilamaya Wetan Subdistrict.

As reported by Antara, while the number of displaced persons is substantial, the BNPB confirmed that the disaster has impacted a total of 11,924 residents across the regency. With the levee breach now entering its eighth day, officials are stressing the urgent need for measured and swift intervention to prevent the flooding from spreading into neighboring residential zones.

According to Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, the inundation has submerged 15 villages across seven administrative subdistricts. Among these areas, Cilamaya Wetan and Telukjambe have been identified as the most severely affected. 

Monitoring from joint emergency teams indicates that floodwaters in several villages within Cilamaya Wetan have reached depths of up to 1.5 meters. Consequently, rubber boats are being utilized to facilitate the evacuation of affected residents.

The focus remains on life-saving measures and humanitarian aid. Abdul Muhari ensured that the evacuation process and the fulfillment of basic needs for affected residents are the primary priorities alongside the relevant local administration entities.

In parallel with relief efforts, technical assessments are underway to address the damaged infrastructure. “While basic needs are prioritized, expert assessments are being conducted to accelerate the restoration of the breached levee,” remarked Abdul Muhari on Monday, January 2, 2026. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)