We continue to monitor the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) in terms of countermeasures and logistical requirements. We also monitor the Ministry of Social Affairs in terms of the support and local governments
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani affirmed that the government had conducted continued monitoring of the requirements to handle floods in the Greater Jakarta area.

"We continue to monitor the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) in terms of countermeasures and logistical requirements. We also monitor the Ministry of Social Affairs in terms of the support and local governments," Finance Minister Mulyani stated in Jakarta on Thursday.

The minister noted that natural disasters, including floods, can indeed cause significant losses, both materially and spiritually.

Hence, to this end, he remarked that the government had striven to curb losses resulting from the disaster.

According to data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) on Thursday (Jan 2), 16 people had died, comprising eight in DKI Jakarta; three in Depok City; and one each in Bekasi City, Bogor City, Bogor District, Tangerang City, and South Tangerang.

Meanwhile, power was temporarily shut down in 724 flood-hit areas in the city to prevent any electricity-related accidents.

Until 8:50 WIB, on Thursday (Jan 2), West Jakarta, East Jakarta, Central Jakarta, South Jakarta, Tangerang, and Bekasi were visibly flooded.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a warning over heavy rains across the Greater Jakarta area and the likelihood 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.

In the meantime, 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 rainfall intensity had reached 340 mm per day.

Meanwhile, Governor Anies Bawesdan stated that the Jakarta administration had made concerted efforts to handle flood victims and ensure the safety of people living in flood-affected areas.

"I call on the people living in river basin areas to remain on standby and coordinate with the ranks and files of the Jakarta administration that are ready to help them," he added. Related news: Social affairs minister examines public kitchen for flood victims
Related news: 19,109 residents evacuated following Wednesday's flood



Translator: Citro Atmoko, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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