05 Mar 2020 | 03:36 AM UTC
Indonesia: Heavy rains and flooding continue across Java March 5 /update 2
Several provinces in Indonesia continue to be impacted by flooding due to heavy rainfall as of March 3; authorities forecast heavy rain to continue from March 5-7
Event
Several provinces in Indonesia, including Jakarta, West Java, and Banten, are still flooded following recent torrential rains as of Tuesday, March 3. Indonesia's National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) announced that 4140 people have been displaced in Karawang, 677 in Tangerang, and 65 in East Jakarta. Landslides and flooding have been reported across the Greater Jakarta area since Sunday, February 23, due to heavy rains from two tropical cyclones. At least nine people have died and 222,000 have been affected. Flooding has affected over 10,000 properties, damaged electrical power infrastructure, and caused severe transportation disruptions.
Indonesia's Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) forecasts heavy rain and thunderstorms to persist over Java from Wednesday, March 4, through Saturday, March 7. Further flooding and landslides are possible, and associated transportation disruptions are expected to continue.
Advice
Individuals in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate lingering transportation and business disruptions, confirm flight reservations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult. 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.
