SITUATION OVERVIEW
The relentless downpour of moderate to heavy rain that engulfed nearly every district and city in Bali on July 6-7, 2023, left an indelible mark on the island. It's impossible to ignore the stark reality that these recent days of extreme weather are a direct consequence of the climate crisis, especially considering that July is traditionally the peak of the dry season. Pebuahan Beach, located in Banjar Pebuahan, Jembrana Regency, was one of the most affected areas due to the extreme weather conditions, followed by heavy rain, strong winds, and high waves. This resulted in the abrasion and disappearance of roads along the Banjar Pebuahan coastline, the boundary between residential areas and the beach and a vital access route for the community's activities.
. The condition of residential areas and roads along the coastal area (Photo: IDEP Foundation)
Based on the latest data obtained by IDEP from on-site assessments of the disaster as of July 09, 2023, 216 houses were affected, and 59 fishing boats were lost or severely damaged. This severe situation forced several residents whose houses were affected to evacuate to the homes of other residents deemed safer. The residents also took the initiative to build tents to anticipate the possibility of tidal floods and abrasion, as had occurred in October 2022.
Pebuahan Beach has actually undergone coastline changes due to abrasion over a period of nearly 20 years. Starting from 2004, the rate of coastline change has occurred at an average rate of 1.62 m/year (Pujianiki, 2022).
Map of abrasion accumulated between 2011 - 2022
Based on satellite imagery mapped between 2011-2022 (as seen in the image), the erosion occurring in Pebuahan Beach has even resulted in the disappearance of land measuring 72,776.1 square meters (72 hectares), which is equivalent to nearly 7 football fields.
This has damaged the village, houses, highways and a decline in tourism activities in the area. The community has been trying to combat abrasion by building groins, which involve piles of river stones, used tires, and sand-filled sacks. However, so far, these efforts have not prevented the damage caused by abrasion and wave impact.
Until now, the communities have continued to seek assistance from various parties to help them overcome the problems arising from the disaster. However, significant aid and support have not been received, primarily to address the threat of abrasion and high waves that could occur at any time.
Disappearance of roads along the Banjar Pebuahan coastline (Photo: IDEP Foundation)
DISASTER IMPACTS
The consequences of the extreme weather and its impacts are very serious and widespread, affecting both the local residents and the general community. The main impacts include:
- Threats to Lives and Livelihoods
The abrasion of wave barriers, house damage, loss of fishing boats, and disruptions to fishing activities directly threaten the lives and livelihoods of the affected residents, especially the local fishermen. Their ability to survive and support their families is significantly affected, pushing them into vulnerable and uncertain economic situations.
- Disruption of Community Infrastructure
The abrasion of roads, river overflow, and house damage have disrupted vital community infrastructure. This hampers the community's ability to recover and continue activities as usual.
- Increased Risk of Further Damage
The absence of immediate emergency response efforts and the lack of long-term adaptation and mitigation measures to reduce the impacts of abrasion and high waves in Pebuahan have increased the risk of further losses.
- Traumatic Experience for Affected Residents
The traumatic experience of losing homes, livelihoods, and witnessing the destruction caused by extreme weather has had a deep impact on the psychological well-being of the affected residents. Moreover, the fact that the abrasion has been ongoing for 19 years since 2004 and the recent extreme weather events have occurred without significant support to help reduce the risks further adds to their challenges.
Temporary Data Regarding the Damages
The following is the temporary data on the number of affected houses and damaged boats per neighborhood unit, due to extreme weather conditions as of July 9, 2023.
- RT 05: 88 houses, 35 boats
- RT 06: 12 houses
- RT 07: 6 houses, 6 boats
- RT 08: 85 houses, 16 boats
- RT 09: 25 houses, 2 boats
Therefore, in total, there are 216 affected houses and 59 damaged fishing boats.
OUR EMERGENCY PLAN
To respond to the emergency situation in Banjar Pebuahan, IDEP is implementing an emergency response program aimed at meeting the urgent needs of affected families, particularly their livelihoods, and reducing the risk of subsequent disasters through the development of temporary infrastructure. The following are the key activities to address the community needs:
1. Effective early-stage disaster evacuation and mitigation
- Providing heavy machinery support to construct temporary wave barriers to reduce the risk of abrasion and high waves.
- Collaborating with authorities such as BMKG and BPBD to provide early warning information on weather conditions, enabling residents to be alert and take effective evacuation measures.
2. Cash Voucher Assistance (CVA)
- Di stribution of CVA to 216 affected families, including those with damaged houses and fishermen who lost their boats and equipment.
3. Provision of adequate shelter
- Providing sleeping mats or mattresses, blankets, and adequate lighting in evacuation tents.
- Providing portable clean water storage and filtration systems.
- Providing emergency toilets and bathing facilities at the evacuation site.
4. Repair/replacement of fishing boat and equipment for affected fishermen
- Repairing or replacing fishing boats ( jukung ) and fishing equipment for 59 affected boat owners.
5. Increasing community awareness of preparedness through disaster adaptation and mitigation, as well as climate crisis
- Conducting educational activities for 1,200 families in Banjar Pebuahan regarding disaster adaptation, mitigation, and climate crisis.
- Producing and disseminating educational materials widely to the public regarding disaster adaptation, mitigation, and climate crisis.
6. Psychosocial support for affected families
- Conducting psychosocial activities for 216 affected families in Banjar Pebuahan.
Expected results
Through this emergency response program, the expected results are as follows:
- 216 families (approximately 864 individuals) in 5 community units (RT) in Banjar Pebuahan affected by the disaster can reduce the risks of abrasion and extreme weather, including their impacts, through the construction of temporary wave barriers.
- 216 affected families in Banjar Pebuahan receive non-cash assistance (Cash Voucher Assistance, CVA) in emergency situations.
- 59 boat owners and their fishing equipment receive assistance to restore their livelihoods.
- 1,200 families in Banjar Pebuahan receive information on disaster adaptation in their area.
- 216 families , including women, children and adolescents, the elderly, and people with disabilities, receive psychosocial support.
Timeframe
The entire emergency response process, including further assessments, beneficiary registration and verification, procurement and distribution of assistance, educational activities, documentation, and reporting, is estimated to take approximately 8 weeks overall. However, the duration of the emergency response will also be adjusted based on the evolving conditions at the disaster site.
Recovery Plan
Based on our rapid assessment and analysis, the following are two linked disaster recovery plans for Banjar Pebuahan, focused on disaster adaptation and mitigation:
1. Establishment of Community Disaster Management Group (KMPB) in Banjar Pebuahan to reduce disaster risks in the area.
2. Economic recovery program through the provision of alternative livelihoods for fishermen and their families .
TAKE ACTION NOW!
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