PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. WEST BANDUNG - Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin inspected the location of the flash flood and landslide disaster in Cibenda Village, Cipongkor District, West Bandung Regency, Tuesday (26/3/2024).

Bey appreciated the fast work of various stakeholders who worked together to provide assistance to the local community by providing public kitchens and evacuation posts and health posts.

"We, with the Regional Police Chief, BMKG, Danrem, and BPBD visited the refugee locations and we appreciate those who have helped the TNI/POLRI, Tagana, Social Service, Ministry of Social Affairs, Scouts and volunteers, who have helped build a public kitchen and all the needs refugees," said Bey when met.

When he was at the refugee camp, Bey chatted with residents to ensure he was in a healthy and proper condition.

"There are 527 refugees and their (condition) is good. They also understand that they have evacuated here. Some of their houses are still there, but for their safety they are here (the refugee camp)," he said.

In order to maintain the safety of residents, Bey asked the West Bandung Regency Regional Government to issue a circular regarding emergency response situations in the next few days.

This is in line with research being carried out by PVMBG regarding the contours of the land, whether residents should be relocated or not.

"The first thing is that this (KBB Regional Government) must issue an emergency response decision, meaning that aid will be able to come in from BNPB and the condition of the land there is being assessed by PVMBG. BMKG said that rain is predicted to occur in the next 10 days. Refugees are advised not to go back to where he lives first," explained Bey.

Meanwhile, regarding the search for missing people, Bey revealed that, based on data in the field today as of 16.00, three bodies had been found.

"Priority is given to searching for victims. Today three bodies were found, one adult and two children. Later the details will be explained by the team in charge because they are still being identified," he said.

Regarding residents whose houses were hit by landslides, he said the government would provide assistance.

However, the most important thing is of course to think about handling house relocation for the safety and security of residents.

"Of course there will be compensation (for residents whose family members died) and most importantly for the community here, we are thinking about relocation or something like that because the security and safety of the community is the main thing for us," added Bey.

"Looking at the condition of the land with the naked eye, it looks like the ground is moving, but we are waiting for an assessment from the PVMBG team and maybe today it will be in," he concluded.

The flash flood and landslide disaster in West Bandung Regency on Sunday (24/3/2024), at around 23.00 WIB, hit five villages.

The five villages, namely Cibenda, Baranangsiang, and Cijambu in Cipongkor District. Apart from that, Cibitung and Sukaresmi Villages in Rongga District.

The heavy rain caused flash floods and even landslides at several points. However, the center point is in Gintung Village, RT 03/RW 04, Cibenda Village.