"(The problem of flooding) must be tackled together. The central, provincial, and district/city governments must work together to handle this," President Widodo remarked in Jakarta on Thursday.
At least 16 people lost their lives in the severe flooding that hit Jakarta. Over 31 thousand people are housed in temporary shelters.
"This is since some are caused by damage to ecosystems, ecological damage," the president stated.
The head of state highlighted the importance of cooperation between the central, provincial, and district/city governments.
"This is to ensure that everything can be handled properly. However, the most important aspect during the floods is the evacuation of flood victims," the president remarked.
The president highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety and security of the community.
"We will discuss the handling of floods after completing the evacuation of victims," the president remarked.
Data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) on Thursday (Jan 2) showed that 16 people died, including eight in DKI Jakarta; three in Depok City; and one each in Bekasi City, Bogor City, Bogor District, Tangerang, and South Tangerang.
In the meantime, power was temporarily shut down in 724 flood-hit areas in the city to avert any electricity-related accidents.
Until 8:50 WIB, on Thursday (Jan 2), West Jakarta, East Jakarta, Central Jakarta, South Jakarta, Tangerang, and Bekasi were apparently flooded.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a warning on heavy rains across the Greater Jakarta area and the possibility of flooding during the February-March 2020 period.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded rainfall intensity on New Year’s Eve at 377 millimeters per day, according to an observation conducted at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta.
Meanwhile, observations at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, also in East Jakarta, and Jatiasih in Bekasi recorded rainfall intensity at 335 and 259 mm per day, respectively.
The figures are the highest in the city since 2007 when the rainfall intensity had reached 340 mm per day. Related news: Operations restored at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport after flooding
Related news: Command post confirms 31,232 Jakarta residents fled inundated homes
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Desca Lidya, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
