Flooding in Indonesian capital Jakarta and its surrounding areas
has killed at least 20 people and forced about 200,000 flee their
homes as overflowing rivers sent muddy water into homes and shops,
local police spokesman said Sunday.
A total of 20 people were killed after they were carried away by
water flows, affected by electricity shortcut, and hit by damage
properties, Jakarta police spokesman Untung Yoga Ana told Xinhua by
telephone.
Meanwhile, Rustam Pakaya, from the health ministry's crisis
center, said the flooding in the Greater Jakarta have made about
200,000 people homeless.
On Sunday, the flooding began inundating areas near presidential
office, after Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso ordered the opening of
water sluice heading to the areas because West Flood Canal could no
longer accommodate runoffs from Ciliwung river.
Water inundation is seen on streets in Central Jakarta near
Istiqlal Mosque, Kwitang areas, and Gambir railway station, as well
as Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Jl. Antara, Jl. Pasar Baru, Jl.Pos
and Jl. Kesenian.
Runoffs from Ciliwung river, which flows water from upper
areas,were split into two: old Ciliwung river, heading to Jakarta
downtown, and West Flood Canal, heading to western part of the
city, Metro TV reported.
The governor opened the sluice after he asked for permission
from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and he declared the highest
alert status of the natural disaster as the flood was continuously
worsening.
(Xinhua News Agency February 5, 2007)
