South Tangerang — Heavy rain that lashed South Tangerang on Sunday afternoon, July 6, 2025, led to unexpected flooding in several areas, including the popular shopping destination IKEA Alam Sutera. The parking lot and basement of the giant Swedish furniture store were inundated, causing panic among visitors, some of whom were forced to wade through ankle-deep water to get to safety.
Water began to rise in the parking area around 4:30 p.m. While the open-air parking lot saw minor flooding of about 5 cm, the basement area experienced more severe conditions, with water reaching above ankle level — approximately 15 to 20 cm — making it difficult for vehicles to exit.
“My family and I were eating in the upstairs food court when other visitors warned us about the flooding in the basement. By the time we got down, the water had already reached the bottom of our car doors,” said Mita, a shopper who was trapped in the basement.
IKEA management temporarily shut down access to elevators and escalators for safety reasons. Security staff were seen helping direct traffic and assist with the evacuation of vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though some visitors claimed to have lost personal belongings while rushing to avoid the rising water.
By 7:00 p.m., the water had begun to recede, and operations inside the store gradually returned to normal. However, many customers opted to leave early. IKEA has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
This incident serves as a reminder that even modern commercial centers are not immune to the effects of extreme weather. Locals are advised to stay alert and check weather updates before heading out, especially during the rainy season.
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