Torrential rains in Jakarta, Indonesia are finally starting to subside following paralyzing flooding in the city that began on Sunday night. Rivers, canals, flood plains and drainage systems could not hold the heavy influx of water and flooding spread into the streets and homes. Massive traffic jams caused by flooded streets full of people trapped in their vehicles ground the city of 12 million people to a halt. The combination of the heavy rains, unfinished construction of canals, high sea levels and insufficient coordination of the city’s water pumps have contributed to the flooding problem in Jakarta, where 40 percent of the city is located under sea level. More storms are anticipated to worsen the situation later this week.
In North Jakarta alone, the mayor estimated that over 14,000 people have been displaced. The Provincial Disaster Management of Jakarta stated that 107 flooded areas have been identified and much action is still needed to start the recovery efforts.
HOPE worldwide’s First Response
HOPE worldwide Indonesia’s Disaster Relief teams quickly dove into action. The team was dispatched to secure thetuberculosis clinicin North Jakarta, where thousands of patients in the North Jakarta slums have been treated for free in the past 17 years. Volunteers and staff quickly spread out to meet the needs of residents including evacuating and providing life-saving supplies.
A grandmother paralyzed from stroke needed to be evacuated as she had limited supplies and required special care. Volunteers and staff were able to transfer her to a safer place where her family and friends were able to care for her. A man named Bonar was recovering from two broken legs following an accident a few months ago. Bonar was trapped on his bed as water kept rising in his one floor house. He and his wife had limited supplies of water as well as a shortage of food. With the help of HOPE worldwide, Bonar received much-needed supplies and was transferred to a safer house with friends and relatives.
Friends and volunteers of HOPE worldwide Indonesia quickly teamed up to help their neighbors. A local restaurant provided 200 ready-to-eat meal boxes for flood victims. Volunteers also opened up their houses to accommodate stranded families. Food, medical supplies and evacuation teams were mobilized to support the communities in need. Volunteers also cooked meals to distribute to flood victims.
As of Wednesday, February 11 the rain has paused a bit. However, there is still much to be done for the affected and vulnerable communities. HOPE worldwide Indonesia continues to work closely with community leaders, the local government, the National Disaster Management Agency and the Ministry of Health. Our goal is to provide assistance to those who are vulnerable as much as we can within our capacity.