Whirlwinds, a Frequent Natural Disaster in 2019

Data released by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) shows that 1,692 natural disasters occurred between January 1 and April 30, 2019. The most frequent natural disaster was strong winds (puting beliung), reaching 662 incidents.

These strong winds resulted in 19 deaths and missing persons, 138 injuries, and 22,089 people being displaced. The disaster also caused 686 houses to be severely damaged, 1,160 moderately damaged, and 8,305 slightly damaged. A total of 54 educational facilities, 52 places of worship, and 8 health facilities were also damaged by the strong winds.

Flooding was the second most frequent natural disaster this year, with 468 incidents. Flooding resulted in a higher number of casualties: 291 deaths, 1,046 injuries, and 784,504 displaced persons. A total of 130,320 houses were flooded, 1,510 severely damaged, 152 moderately damaged, and 4,000 slightly damaged.

(Read Databoks: [2018, Indonesia Hit by 2,564 Disasters])