Torrential rains have triggered the overflowing of rivers and flooding in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, since Thursday, 1 February.
Thousands of houses, buildings (including 1,498 schools), and roads have been affected. Telephone lines and electricity networks have been cut off in some parts of the city. Floodwaters have
blocked some major roads and paralyzed transportation in the city. Over 300,000 people have been displaced and 25 have died because of the floods.Flood water levels have rapidly
increased and reached beyond four meters in some areas. People are trapped on the roofs of their houses while evacuation and distribution of logistics have been compounded by the limited number
of available rubber boats and the large coverage of the flooding.
Save the Children response
Save the Children is on the ground working with its local NGO partners to respond
to the situation. Together, they have assisted 885 households with temporary shelter, food and medical supplies. They are also providing community kitchens and medical support to an additional 1,660
displaced households.
For further information
Key media contact:
Indonesian media enquiries Patricia Norimarna 08121088705
International media enquiries - Jon Bugge + 62 8121088702 (Save the Children USA) or Rosaleen Cunningham +62 811984901 (Save the Children UK)
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
