RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Severe flooding has gripped parts of East Jakarta as water levels surged to nearly two meters high on Monday morning, April 20, 2026, leaving thousands of residents stranded in their homes.

The Jakarta Provincial Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) had previously issued warnings for coastal tidal floods, but the inland Subdistricts of Jatinegara and Kramat Jati bore the brunt of this morning's deluge. In the hardest-hit neighborhoods, peak water levels reached 180 cm.

The rapid escalation began in the early hours of April 20, 2026, catching many off guard as the water rose from a manageable ankle-deep height to dangerous levels within a few hours.

"Data on inundation and flooding in East Jakarta City as of 9 a.m. Jakarta time shows two affected subdistricts, with three affected villages, involving 11 RW (community unit) and 20 RT (neighborhood unit)," said Head of the East Jakarta Administrative City Disaster Mitigation Task Force, Rangga Bima Setiawan.

According to his report, the waters began to rise around 3 a.m., initially ranging from 20 to 50 cm before the situation deteriorated significantly after daybreak. The most critical conditions were recorded in Bidara Cina, specifically at Jalan Tanjung Lengkong, where the flood reached its peak depth.

"The water level reached 180 centimeters at 7 a.m. Jakarta time before gradually receding to 140 centimeters by 9 a.m. Jakarta time," explained Rangga, as quoted by Antara.

Other areas, including Melayu Hamlet, saw water levels quintuple in just six hours, jumping from 30 cm to 150 cm. Similar surges were reported across Cawang and Cililitan, where major thoroughfares like Jalan Raya Kalibata were submerged under 150 cm of water.

Despite the scale of the disaster, which affects approximately 2,259 individuals from 705 households, the local population has largely opted to stay in place. "For the time being, no residents have evacuated. Residents are still staying in their respective homes while monitoring the water conditions," clarified Rangga.

Emergency teams remain on high alert, closely monitoring the situation as the region remains vulnerable to further weather-related spikes.

The current flooding coincides with a broader regional alert, as BPBD had already warned of potential tidal flooding between April 17 and 23 due to the New Moon phase and perigee. Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and utilize the 112 emergency hotline for immediate assistance.

"We urge the public to remain alert, especially if high-intensity rain occurs." concluded Rangga. ***