The collapse of the Situ Gintung dam occurred in the Tangerang District of Banten province, Indonesia, during a period of heavy rainfall. Built in the 1950s primarily for irrigation purposes, the dam had become increasingly neglected over the years, raising concerns about its structural integrity. Local authorities had reported the risk of dam failure due to heavy rainfall and the accumulation of water in the reservoir. In the early hours of March 27, as intense rainfall continued, the dam's structure gave way, unleashing a torrent of water that cascaded into nearby villages, leading to widespread devastation.

The immediate aftermath saw rescue operations involving local communities, the military, and emergency services trying to find survivors among the debris. Thousands were affected as homes, roads, and infrastructure were damaged or destroyed by the flood. The Indonesian government faced criticism over the lack of maintenance and failure to heed warnings about the dam's precarious condition. In addition to the human toll, the disaster highlighted broader issues related to infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change and extreme weather events.

Recovery efforts were long and challenging, with the government committing to rebuilding and restoring affected communities. The tragedy prompted discussions regarding investment in safer infrastructure and improvements in flood management practices. Local historical context revealed that dams are crucial for Indonesia's agricultural economy, making their maintenance vital for both economic and environmental stability. Over the following years, the consequences of the dam failure continued to resonate, influencing policies aimed at disaster preparedness and management.