During the rainy season, the alert level or status of the floodgates is one of the things you need to monitor. Often, status is a benchmark for potential overflows of water that can cause flooding. You can find information about the alert status of floodgates in Jakarta on the official Pantau Banjir (Flood Monitor) websiteand the JakPantau feature on JAKI.

When you see this information, you will realize that there are 4 different alert statuses, based on the water level at each sluice gate. However, what do these four statuses mean? What should you do if the alert status at the floodgates around your residence reaches a certain level? Read this article to find out. 

The Meaning of 4 Floodgate Alert Levels

Spreading information on the alert levels of the floodgates to the public is the responsibility of the Jakarta Water Resources Agency. As many as 3 times a day, the floodgate operator in Jakarta monitors and records the water level, which is then converted into an alert status. In the rainy season, the intensity of rainfall tends to increase, so you have to pay more attention to the alert status of the floodgates to anticipate possible flooding. The alert status of the floodgates itself consists of Siaga 4 (normal/least severe), Siaga 3, Siaga 2, and finally Siaga 1 (most severe). 

Siaga 4 means normal conditions and there has not been a significant increase in water discharge. In Siaga 4, it is the Section Head within the Jakarta Water Resources Agency who is responsible for giving directions to the officers either to open or close the floodgates.

Siaga 3 is a sign of an alert condition, even though the puddles are not dangerous, people have started to be careful and on guard in the event of a flood. The responsibility for opening or closing the floodgates in this condition is borne by the Jakarta Water Resources Agency’s Chief of Service.

Siaga 2 indicates an alert condition and the area of ​​puddles is starting to expand. Directions to open or close the floodgates are given by the Head of Flood Control of Jakarta Water Resources Agency.

Siaga 1 is the most severe condition. This status is determined if within six hours, the puddle does not recede and becomes dangerous. In this condition, the one who is responsible for giving directions regarding the floodgates is the Head of the Water Resources Agency itself.

Directions on each of these status or conditions are reported to the Governor of DKI Jakarta. Meanwhile, the water level limit of each alert status varies depending on the water gate.

Things You Should Do During Each Alert Status

During the rainy season, there are several things you can do when the floodgates around your residence have reached a certain level. If conditions are still normal and you are in Siaga 4, then all you need to do is basic things such as finding out flood-prone zones, cleaning your home environment regularly, saving emergency numbers and informing all family members.

Meanwhile, if the status has been raised to Siaga 3, you can take more specific steps. For example, such as finding out and preparing the special needs of each family member. This is necessary so that each of you can immediately pack your belongings in the event of a flood and need to evacuate. It is highly recommended for each family member to have their own disaster preparedness bag. Disaster preparedness bags usually contain personal items and necessities that can be used when securing and evacuating. Also find out the evacuation routes and location of shelter that are close to where you live. When there is a flood, there are often family members who are separated from each other. For that, you and your family also need to plan a meeting point in case they are scattered during a flood.

When the floodgate enters Siaga 2 status, there is generally an early warning information. Therefore, continue to monitor early warning information through the Pantau Banjir website or the JAKI application. In addition, during Siaga 3, usually some residents who are severely affected will begin to be directed to evacuate. If you are required to evacuate, make sure before leaving your house that you have stored valuables in a safe and high place, turn off the power grid, and follow the offiicial's directions. However, if you are not directed to evacuate immediately, you also still need to do this to stay safe. Don't forget to recheck the disaster preparedness bag that has been prepared.

If the status of the floodgate has reached Siaga 1, usually you will undergo evacuation to a safe and predetermined place. During this process, prioritize vulnerable people such as the illed ones, people with disabilities, children, pregnant women, and the elderly. You also need to be aware of water currents, waterways, puddles, and other waterlogged areas. Not only that, when you experience a flood, you are likely to look for information about the current conditions. Make sure you access information from trusted sources, such as the Pantau Banjir website and JakPantau on JAKI. With the JAKI push notification system, it is guaranteed that you won’t  miss any flood information.

Those are the meaning of the 4 alert statuses of Jakarta floodgates along with the things you need to do in each of these alert statuses. If you find a city problem that can lead to inundation or flooding, you can report it through JakPantau at JAKI. This Jakarta’s super-app can be downloaded via the Google Play Storeor Apple App Store. Stay alert and stay safe, Smartcitizen!