Fifteen urban wards in East and South Jakarta were inundated on Wednesday by floodwaters up to 3.5 meters in height, forcing about 175 people to flee their homes.
Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) spokesman Bambang Suryaputra said the floods affected 4,079 families and 8,993 people.
Besides swamping the frequently flooded Kampung Melayu, two other urban wards in East Jakarta were inundated, Bidaracina and Cawang. Meanwhile in South Jakarta, at least 12 urban wards were inundated: Lebak Bulus, Pondok Labu, Ulujami, Kuningan Barat, Bangka, Pela Mampang, Pejaten Timur, Bukit Duri, Kebon Baru, Petogogan, Pondok Pinang and Rawajati.
“The worst flooding hit Kampung Melayu, where floodwaters reached 3.5 meters,” Bambang said. “Around 175 are living as refugees. There are no refugees in other urban wards because the water level remained low.”
Torrential rains on Tuesday raised the water level of the Ciliwung River, causing it to overflow at about 1 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
“BPBD continues to ask people who live along the Ciliwung, Angke, Pesanggrahan and Krukut rivers to remain on alert for flooding,” Bambang said. “We ask the residents to secure their personal assets, mainly important documents and electronic devices.”
He also advised flood-hit residents to turn off their electricity to prevent electrical short-circuits that could result in fire.
“For emergency evacuation, logistics and other help, residents can contact the disaster post at [021] 164,” Bambang said.-Jakarta Globe (February 13, 2013)
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