Kerusakan Lingkungan di Balik bencana Banjir

Summary

The transcript details the devastating floods in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, which began in November 2012, affecting over 6,200 people and submerging homes, schools, and infrastructure. The report emphasizes the impact of deforestation and environmental degradation, which exacerbate flooding by reducing the land's ability to absorb water. Experts and local authorities discuss the role of deforestation, climate change, and government responses, including evacuation efforts and psychosocial support for children. The flood highlights the need for sustainable environmental practices to mitigate future disasters in the region.

Takeaways

• 😀 The flood in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, caused widespread damage, affecting over 1,800 homes, 14 schools, and 44 magazines across five districts.
• 😀 Over 6,200 people were displaced by the floods, with many seeking shelter in evacuation posts starting from November 13, 2012.
• 😀 The floods, which were particularly severe in November 2012, were considered the worst in recent years, affecting multiple districts, including Pahandut, Jikan Raya, Sabangau, and Bukit Batu.
• 😀 The local government declared a state of emergency on November 15, 2012, as floodwaters spread further, leading to the relocation of affected populations.
• 😀 More than 1,200 children were reported to have been displaced by the flood, and efforts were made to provide psychosocial support to prevent long-term trauma.
• 😀 The primary cause of the flooding was linked to deforestation, which led to reduced water absorption in the region, exacerbating the flooding conditions.
• 😀 Deforestation in Central Kalimantan, particularly from 2001 to 2019, resulted in a significant loss of forest cover, leading to reduced natural flood protection.
• 😀 Environmental activists noted that the drainage of peatlands and construction of large canals by the government to open up land for agriculture has significantly altered the natural water management system.
• 😀 The local government acknowledged ongoing problems with sedimentation in major rivers, which worsened flooding conditions and further threatened infrastructure.
• 😀 The Governor of Central Kalimantan emphasized the need for stricter regulations on land use, urging the central government to review permits for palm oil plantations and industrial logging in sensitive river basin areas to prevent further environmental degradation.

Q & A

What was the impact of the flooding in Palangkaraya, Kalimantan Tengah?

The flooding in Palangkaraya affected over 1,800 homes, 14 schools, and 44 magazines in five sub-districts. More than 6,200 people were forced to evacuate to emergency shelters.

When did the flooding in Palangkaraya begin and how did it evolve?

The flooding began on November 13, 2012, initially affecting four sub-districts. By November 16, it had expanded to cover more areas, making it the worst flood in recent years.

How did the government respond to the flood in Palangkaraya?

The local government declared a state of emergency on November 15, 2012. They provided evacuation shelters and later relocated evacuees to safer areas. Psychological support was also offered to help children cope with the trauma.

What psychological support was provided to the evacuees, especially children?

Psychosocial support services were provided to over 1,200 children affected by the flood. These services aimed to prevent long-term psychological trauma and included therapy and early screening for behavioral changes.

What role did deforestation play in the flooding in Kalimantan Tengah?

Deforestation, especially from 2001 to 2019, contributed to reduced water absorption and retention in the region. This environmental degradation lowered the area's ability to manage floodwaters, exacerbating the severity of floods.

How did the condition of the peatlands in Kalimantan Tengah contribute to the flooding?

The destruction of peatlands, especially due to draining for agriculture and development, has decreased the land's ability to absorb and retain water. This has resulted in slower draining of floodwaters and increased flood severity.

What are the long-term environmental consequences of deforestation and land degradation in Kalimantan Tengah?

The loss of forests and damage to peatlands are reducing the region's ability to absorb rainwater, increasing the risk of more frequent and severe floods. The destruction of riverbanks and ecosystems further worsens flood management.

What solutions have been proposed to prevent further flooding in Kalimantan Tengah?

The local government and experts suggest stricter regulations on land use, including limiting deforestation and regulating agricultural practices near riverbanks. There have also been calls for the central government to enforce better riverbank protection and reforestation.

What infrastructure is being considered to improve mobility during floods?

A proposed overpass or elevated road on the Trans-Kalimantan Highway is being discussed as a solution to maintain mobility for residents during floods.

How do the changes in the local river systems contribute to flooding in Kalimantan Tengah?

The rivers in Kalimantan Tengah, including the Kahayan River, are facing issues such as sedimentation and the disappearance of smaller rivers, which hampers water flow and increases the risk of flooding. The construction of dams and canals for development purposes has also contributed to this problem.