The Construction of Reservoirs in the Upstream of the River

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 62 views

Introduction

Southeast Aceh Regency, located in the northern part of Sumatra, Indonesia, is a region prone to flash floods due to its unique topography. The area is dominated by mountains and valleys, with numerous rivers flowing through it. Semadam District, in particular, is one of the most frequently affected areas, with disaster-prone points located at the intersection of rivers and the State Street of North Sumatra Kutacane-Basan. The existing bridge in this area acts as a barrier for flash flood materials, causing overflow to nearby settlements. One of the villages that are threatened by the dangers of flash floods is Kampung Baru Village, where there has not been an adequate arrangement of both river flow and settlements.

Background

Flash floods are a significant threat to communities living in areas prone to these natural disasters. The impact of flash floods can be devastating, causing loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and displacement of people. In Semadam District, the risk of flash floods is exacerbated by the presence of numerous rivers and the lack of adequate arrangements to mitigate the effects of these disasters. The existing bridge in the area is a major contributor to the problem, as it acts as a barrier for flash flood materials, causing overflow to nearby settlements.

Objectives

The main objective of this study is to identify the level of disaster vulnerability in Semadam District and formulate recommendations for the arrangement of settlements that are safe from flash floods. The study aims to review vulnerability from social, economic, physical, and environmental aspects, as a basis for comprehensive arrangement of river and settlement banks as an effort to mitigate disaster.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach to explain the vulnerability of disasters and safe settlement structuring strategies. The study involves a comprehensive review of existing literature on flash floods, vulnerability assessment, and analysis of data collected from field observations and interviews with local stakeholders.

Results

The results of this study showed that the level of disaster vulnerability in Semadam District was in the high category. This indicates that the area is highly susceptible to flash floods, and immediate action is required to mitigate the effects of these disasters. The study also identified several key factors that contribute to the vulnerability of the area, including the lack of adequate arrangements for river flow and settlements, the presence of numerous rivers, and the existing bridge in the area.

River Arrangement

The Construction of Reservoirs in the Upstream of the River

The construction of reservoirs in the upstream of the river is an effective way to reduce river flow discharge when heavy rain occurs. Embung, a type of reservoir, can function as a rainwater reservoir to reduce the flow rate and volume of water that reaches settlements.

Detention Storage Development

Detention Storage is a temporary area for flood water, which serves to reduce the flow rate and reduce the volume of water that reaches settlements. This type of storage can be developed in areas where the risk of flash floods is high.

River Normalization

River normalization includes the addition of river cross sections to increase flow capacity and reduce the risk of overflow. This can be achieved through the construction of new river channels or the modification of existing ones.

Bridge Reconstruction

Bridge reconstruction with a stronger and safer design can help minimize the impact of flash floods on settlements. A new bridge design should take into account the risk of flash floods and ensure that it can withstand the forces of water.

Settlement Arrangement

Provision of Green Open Space (RTH)

RTH functions as a water catchment area, reducing the impact of flooding, and creating a more comfortable environment. Green open spaces can be created through the planting of trees and the development of parks and gardens.

Engineering System of Transportation Environment Housing

Planned and integrated transportation systems can help in the evacuation and access to assistance during a disaster. This can include the construction of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure that can facilitate the movement of people and goods.

Conclusion

The arrangement of flash flood-prone areas in Semadam District requires a comprehensive approach that integrates the arrangement of rivers and settlements. By implementing an appropriate arrangement strategy, it is expected that disaster risk can be reduced, and community safety can be improved. This arrangement is also an important step to create a safer, more comfortable, and sustainable environment in the Semadam District area.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The construction of reservoirs in the upstream of the river to reduce river flow discharge when heavy rain occurs.
The development of Detention Storage to reduce the flow rate and volume of water that reaches settlements.
The normalization of rivers to increase flow capacity and reduce the risk of overflow.
The reconstruction of bridges with a stronger and safer design to minimize the impact of flash floods on settlements.
The provision of green open spaces to reduce the impact of flooding and create a more comfortable environment.
The development of planned and integrated transportation systems to facilitate the evacuation and access to assistance during a disaster.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that the risk of flash floods in Semadam District can be reduced, and community safety can be improved.

Q1: What is the main objective of this study?

A1: The main objective of this study is to identify the level of disaster vulnerability in Semadam District and formulate recommendations for the arrangement of settlements that are safe from flash floods.

Q2: What are the key factors that contribute to the vulnerability of Semadam District to flash floods?

A2: The key factors that contribute to the vulnerability of Semadam District to flash floods include the lack of adequate arrangements for river flow and settlements, the presence of numerous rivers, and the existing bridge in the area.

Q3: What is the significance of the existing bridge in Semadam District?

A3: The existing bridge in Semadam District acts as a barrier for flash flood materials, causing overflow to nearby settlements. This makes it a significant contributor to the problem of flash floods in the area.

Q4: What are the benefits of constructing reservoirs in the upstream of the river?

A4: The construction of reservoirs in the upstream of the river can reduce river flow discharge when heavy rain occurs, thereby reducing the risk of flash floods.

Q5: What is the role of Detention Storage in reducing the risk of flash floods?

A5: Detention Storage is a temporary area for flood water, which serves to reduce the flow rate and reduce the volume of water that reaches settlements.

Q6: How can river normalization help reduce the risk of flash floods?

A6: River normalization includes the addition of river cross sections to increase flow capacity and reduce the risk of overflow.

Q7: What is the importance of providing green open spaces in reducing the risk of flash floods?

A7: Green open spaces can function as a water catchment area, reducing the impact of flooding, and creating a more comfortable environment.

Q8: How can planned and integrated transportation systems help in the evacuation and access to assistance during a disaster?

A8: Planned and integrated transportation systems can facilitate the movement of people and goods, thereby helping in the evacuation and access to assistance during a disaster.

Q9: What are the potential consequences of not implementing the recommended arrangements for flash flood-prone areas in Semadam District?

A9: The potential consequences of not implementing the recommended arrangements for flash flood-prone areas in Semadam District include increased risk of flash floods, loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and displacement of people.

Q10: What are the next steps in implementing the recommended arrangements for flash flood-prone areas in Semadam District?

A10: The next steps in implementing the recommended arrangements for flash flood-prone areas in Semadam District include conducting a comprehensive assessment of the area, developing a detailed plan for the implementation of the recommended arrangements, and securing funding and resources for the implementation of the plan.

Conclusion

The study of settlement arrangement areas prone to flash floods in Semadam District, Southeast Aceh Regency, highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to mitigate the risk of flash floods. By implementing the recommended arrangements, it is expected that the risk of flash floods can be reduced, and community safety can be improved.