02 Jan 2020 | 04:33 AM UTC
Indonesia: Deadly flooding in Jakarta January 1-2
Heavy rain causes deadly flooding and power disruptions in Jakarta from December 31 to January 2; further rain forecast in the coming days
Event
Flash flooding hit the capital city of Jakarta on Wednesday, January 1, after heavy rains began overnight (local time) on Tuesday, December 31. As of Thursday, January 2, at least 21 people have been killed in the flooding or by landslides in the area. Over 30,000 people were also displaced and evacuated to temporary shelters. The state-owned electric utility company PLN cut power to some areas of Jakarta on Wednesday as a precaution to prevent electrocutions. However, by Wednesday night power had reportedly been restored to all networks.
Additional heavy rain is forecast for Jakarta through Tuesday, January 7. Further flooding, landslides, transportation and business disruptions are possible, as well as disruptions to power and communication services, over the coming days.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, anticipate transportation and business disruptions, 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.
