Indonesia: Flooding affecting parts of Jakarta and Bekasi Feb. 20

Event

Heavy rains and flooding are affecting Jakarta and Bekasi as of Feb. 20. The most-affected areas include approximately 200 neighborhoods in southern and eastern Jakarta, the latter of which lies adjacent to Bekasi. The Ciliwung, Krukut, and Pesanggrahan rivers have overflowed, adding to flooding in South Jakarta, while the PHB Sulaiman, Sunter, and Cipinang rivers have similarly impacted East Jakarta. In the worst-impacted areas, water levels have risen to 1.8 meters (6 feet), prompting the evacuation of up to 1,400 residents. There are no confirmed reports of casualties. Jakarta city center has been less impacted thus far.

The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) forecasts that light rains will persist through at least Feb. 21; however, the agency has forecast that additional heavy rain is likely through at least early March. Disruptions may continue until the flooding subsides. Increased rainfall in the coming days may result in flooding in other parts of Jakarta.

Hazardous Conditions
Additional flooding is also possible in areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Authorities may issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities, and have cut power to approximately 60,000 homes due to the risk of electrocution. Further electricity and telecommunications service outages may occur in areas with significant flooding.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges or rail networks impassable. Freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible. Ponding on road surfaces has caused hazardous driving conditions. Authorities have temporarily closed some routes impacted by floodwaters, including the Jakarta-Cikampek Toll Road, Jakarta-Tangerang Toll Road, Jagorawi toll roads, and Jakarta Inner Toll Road. Officials may close further roads if the severe weather persists.

Localized business disruptions are possible. Businesses that remain open might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Health
Flooding may heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Seek updated information on weather and related disruptions, including road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices if prolonged electricity outages occur.

Resources

Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics
Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Twitter