Indonesia: Risk of water-borne diseases increases in Jakarta January 8 /update 5

Event

There is a greater risk of the spread of water-borne diseases in the Greater Jakarta area as of Wednesday, January 8, due to significant flooding in the region. On Monday, January 6, military and health officials launched disinfectant operations targeting hard-hit areas in an attempt to limit the spread of disease. As of Wednesday, no serious cases have been reported.

Recovery efforts are ongoing in Jakarta and other parts of Java island impacted by the flooding. According to the Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), at least 66 people have been killed since the flooding began on Tuesday, December 31, 2019. Torrential rains resulting in flooding and landslides have caused significant damages, displacing at least 100,000 people in the greater metropolitan area and affecting almost 500,000. Additional rain is forecast in Jakarta through Friday, January 10. Further flooding, landslides, and transportation and business disruptions are possible, as well as disruptions to power and communication services over the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to monitor the situation, avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities or their home governments. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded. Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases tends to rise after periods of heavy rainfall.