Severe rainfall causes widespread flooding across Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Prolonged heavy rainfall on June 19, 2025, resulted in significant flooding across Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, impacting emergency services, medical access, and road infrastructure.
Prolonged heavy rainfall on June 19, 2025, resulted in significant flooding across Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, impacting emergency services, medical access, and road infrastructure. Credit: Dit Polair Kaltim
Heavy rain began at 07:30 local time (LT), leading to widespread inundation in more than 24 locations throughout the city. Local authorities, including the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), confirmed that water depths reached between 30 and 70 cm (12 to 28 inches), affecting residential areas, healthcare facilities, and major traffic corridors.
Among the locations affected was Ibnu Sina Clinic in the Muara Rapak area. Floodwaters entered the emergency unit and outpatient departments, disrupting services and delaying access for patients.
Medical personnel temporarily halted operations and conducted limited evacuations. In other parts of the city, including MT Haryono Road, waterlogged streets led to traffic slowdowns and obstruction of vehicular movement.
The East Balikpapan area experienced localized infrastructure disruptions. A vehicle became stuck after exiting the Manggar Toll Gate due to a submerged roadside trench, while several trees collapsed onto electrical lines along Manggar Road, resulting in temporary power outages.
Near Sepinggan Market and the South Balikpapan Police Station, water accumulated on primary routes, hindering civilian movement and reducing transportation capacity.
By late morning, BPBD was conducting evacuations from the MT Haryono corridor, including transferring patients to Siloam Hospital. The agency reported that water levels began to recede with the easing of rainfall and a decline in sea tide levels, although complete drainage in low-lying zones such as MT Haryono was expected to require several more hours.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) issued an early warning at 10:50 LT, citing continued risk of moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds through midday. According to BMKG Balikpapan, the rainfall was classified as medium in intensity but persisted over a long duration, contributing to the scale of surface accumulation.
The most notable flood-affected areas included Balikpapan Baru, Gunung Guntur, Gunung Kawi, Gunung Malang, Gunung Sari (Simpang 3 BRI, where road closures occurred), Beller Road, Jalan MT Haryono, Jalan Ahmad Yani, Jalan Asnawi Arbain, Global Climb, the vicinity of Hermina Hospital, the Grand City traffic junction, Panorama, Damai, Maxi Strat 1, and segments of West Balikpapan.
Additionally, severe water pooling was reported along the Buton Market corridor and in front of Samator–Manggar Sari in Batakan.
According to BPBD, floodwaters had begun to subside at several locations by 13:40 LT, with many roads becoming passable for two-wheeled vehicles.
However, authorities continued to advise residents to avoid attempting to cross flooded sections and to remain prepared for further rainfall. BPBD teams remained on alert, equipped with inflatable boats and rapid evacuation tools at key sites.
Ragas Village, Pulo Ampel District, Serang Regency, Banten, also saw flooding on June 18, where shops were flooded and cars were submerged.
References:
1 Banjir rendam Kota Balikpapan – ANTARA Kaltim – June 19, 2025
2 Bukan Banjir, Air di Balikpapan Cuma Ngantri Keluar – Niaga.Asia – June 19, 2025
3 Banjir di Balikpapan, Mobil Terperosok, RS Terganggu – IbukotaKini – June 19, 2025
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
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