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Jakarta Floods Update

February 11, 2007

 

 

New information has been highlighted in red

 

Torrential rains have eased in Jakarta over the weekend, allowing residents of the city to begin a massive clean up of mud and debris from their homes. Although flood levels are receding in many parts of the city, some areas are reportedly still under water. Electricity and phone services have also been reportedly restored to tens of thousands of residences and businesses in recent days, and traffic was reportedly moving along on roads that were previously inaccessible. At least 80 people have been reported killed from the floods, with estimates up to around 94 (Reuters, AFP, AP, Feb 11). “A total of 48 people have been killed in Jakarta so far, 16 of which died because of electrocution. Floods in West Java killed 24, while in Banten province 13 people were killed,” Agence France-Presse quoted an official at the national disaster agency (BAKORNAS) as saying. Although tens of thousands of people have reportedly returned to their homes to begin cleaning up, many still remain in emergency shelters. Figures of the number of people displaced vary, with estimates ranging from some 77,000 up to 487,000 (Reuters, AFP, AP, Feb 11) people who remain displaced by the floods, either because they are unable to return to damaged homes, or because their homes are still under water. Suprawoto, an official from the national disaster agency, said that the number of displaced had dropped to 77,200 on Sunday (February 11), down from some 400,000 earlier (AP, Feb 11). He added that the government would continue to run emergency shelters for at least another week. However, a crisis center official said that some 210,000 people were still displaced by the flood in Jakarta, while some 240,000 were displaced in West Java (AFP, Feb 11). Other estimates say 77,196 people remain displaced in Jakarta, while another 218,583 people are displaced in neighboring West Java and Banten provinces (Reuters, Feb 11). Thousands of soldiers from the Indonesian military and aid groups were helping residents in the clean up and heavy machinery was also being deployed to help clear up the debris. High water levels had reportedly prevented sanitation officials from picking up garbage earlier, leading to a backlog of garbage. However, city officials say that some 200 trucks and heavy machinery removed more than 250 tons of garbage and mud so far (AP, Feb 11). Officials were reportedly distributing cleaning liquids and chemicals to purify water for drinking to residents. Around 70 fire trucks are being deployed to spray disinfectant on hard-hit areas of the city (VOA, Feb 11). Some hospitals have reported struggling with hundreds of cases of children suffering from diarrhea. Three cases of leptospirosis have been reported, however, no other serious water-borne diseases have been reported thus far. However, because of the combination of garbage, mud and dirty water which has inundated the city, officials remain vigilant for any possible disease outbreaks. Officials are also concerned that the tens of thousands still living in crowded conditions in emergency shelters may be vulnerable to diseases outbreaks. Officials have been on alert for outbreaks of cholera, diarrhea, leptospirosis, or skin and other diseases.  According to OCHA on Friday (Feb 9), Jakarta and West Java provincial health offices are reporting the most common diseases are upper respiratory tract infections, skin diseases, diarrhea, and fever.  In order to help prevent any disease outbreaks, the Ministry of Health has deployed 16 teams to conduct health assessments and surveillance. According to AP, the Health Ministry said Thursday (Feb 8) that up to 84,000 people have been treated for minor ailments, which include skin irritations, coughs or colds. The city was already dealing with a rise in dengue cases before the floods. Indonesia's Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) said that rains in the Greater Jakarta area reached its peak on February 2 but said that heavy rains may still fall during the rest of February and March, so residents needed to keep alert for possible future flooding. Indonesia’s meteorology office says that downpours will continue until the end of the rainy season in March. Officials have repeated their concerns that more heavy rains could trigger fresh flooding. Some 100,000 homes, shops, and businesses have been inundated with flood waters.  Latest estimates of economic losses due to the floods are up to US$475 million dollars, according to the National Development Planning Agency (Antara, Feb 8).  President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has promised to seek more funds from the state budget to cover the cost of trying to prevent similar events in the future. According to the official Antara news agency, the Jakarta administration is expected to give flood-affected sub-districts Rp 1 billion (US$111,000) from the Sub districts Community Empowerment Program fund. Floods last week, triggered by heavy seasonal rains, had forced over 400,000 people from their homes at the peak of the floods and inundated Jakarta with flood waters up to 12 feet (4 meters) high.  The flooding in Jakarta, and neighboring Banten and West Java provinces was triggered after seasonal rains burst river banks throughout the city of some 12 million and its surrounding towns on February 1. The floods were described as the worst floods since 2002, when floods left some 40 people dead. The Indonesian government has not made a formal request for international assistance, however, foreign countries, NGOs, and the UN have responded with monetary and in-kind assistance. 

Background

 

Seasonal rains cause dozens of landslides and flash floods across the country each year.  Flooding is an annual problem in Jakarta, particularly during the peak of the rainy season.  The city is vulnerable to flooding because of a poor drainage system and because much of the city is located at or below sea level.  Environmentalists and critics blame the annual floods on clogged storm drains and rivers, poor urban planning and deforestation on the hillsides south of Jakarta. According to the official Antara news agency, flooding in the city is often sparked by heavy rains in the upper areas, such as Depok and Bogor, and water then flows to the rest of the city through the Ciliwung River.  Indonesia's present monsoon season runs from around November to March. Some 40 people were killed and some 300,000 forced to evacuate in the last major floods to hit Jakarta in 2002. Economic damages were estimated to be at around US$1.1 billion in property damage and lost man hours in 2002, according to Dutch company DHV, an international consultancy and engineering group. Flood-related ailments, including diarrhea, resulted in the deaths of some 150 people, the Jakarta Post reported (Bloomberg, Feb 10). In December 2006, floods and landslides triggered by monsoons rains in Aceh and North Sumatra provinces on Sumatra Island, left at least 124 people dead.  Another 170 other people are missing and feared dead, and more than 300,000 people were displaced. 

 

 

Domestic Response

 

Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that the government has declared that the floods in the capital, Jakarta, cannot be categorized as a national disaster because the local Jakarta government could still function.  Yudhoyono said that if affected regions had the needed resources, the central government would refer the handling of the disaster to the local government involved and BAKORNAS would provide assistance (Antara, Feb 9).  

 

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono promised to seek more state funds for flood mitigation measures in the capital. Flooding has caused estimated US$460 million in damage. (Feb-11, Jakarta Post)

 

Jakarta administration expected to give every flood-hit subdistrict 1 billion Rp (US$110,000) from the 2007 Subdistricts Community Empowerment Program fund. Governor Sutiyoso also said that subdistrict heads should oversee logistics distribution during rehabilitation process. (Feb-11, Jakarta Post)

 

City officials said 70 fire trucks were deployed to spray disinfectant in hard-hit areas, and 200 trucks and 10 heavy equipment vehicles shoveled and removed more than 250 tons of garbage and mud. Cleaning liquids and water purification supplies also distributed. (Feb-10, 11, IHT, VOA, Bloomberg)

 

GOI has set up six temporary shelters equipped with health posts, public kitchens and sanitation facilities, however, may IDPs prefer to stay in other shelters close to their homes. (Feb-09, OCHA) Shelters located in Parkir Timur Senayan - Central Jakarta; Tebet Sub-district Office and Police Advance Academy in South Jakarta; Gen. Urip Square in East Jakarta; Cilincing Sub-district Office in North Jakarta and Daan Mogot Baru Square in West Jakarta. (Feb-07, OCHA) GOI rounding up refugees into shelters, which can each house 5,000 people. (Feb-11, VOA)

 

Though flooding has receded in some parts of JABODETABEK and more people have returned home, SATLAK PB and relevant organizations continue to evacuate those who have stayed in their flooded homes. (Feb-09, OCHA)

 

Indonesian military (TNI) mobilized 1,123 personnel, transportation fleet, 22 platoon tents, 22 boat engines and 7 units of diving equipment. Established two field kitchens. Distributed two trucks of food items to Bendungan Hilir area in central Jakarta. (Feb-06, OCHA) Hundreds of soldiers and police helped to clean mud from streets, houses, schools and places of worship up to 1 to 2 meters (3.2 ft to 6.5 ft) deep. (Feb-11, Jakarta Post, Reuters)

 

Police have deployed 200 personnel with nine rubber boats for evacuations.

 

BAKORNAS convened coordination meeting on February 7 at the Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare office, attended by all SATKORLAKs of the three affected provinces (Jakarta, West Java, and Banten) and all related sectoral departments. (Feb-08, OCHA)

 

Bekasi City SATLAK PB has delivered food items (including 2.2 tonnes of rice, 200 boxes of instant noodles and other items) and NFIs in Jati Asih and Bekasi Timur sub-districts. BAKORNAS PB has also made available six rubber boats for Bekasi SATLAK PB. (Feb-09, OCHA)

 

Social Affairs Department has mobilized 110 personnel to help in evacuations, establish public kitchens, and distribute food to North and East Jakarta. Distributed 1,000 blankets and 1,000 sarongs in Jakarta. (Feb-06, OCHA)

 

Ministry of Health (MoH), with the support of WHO, convened the first health sector coordination meeting on 7 February. Main diseases monitored include leptospirosis, diarrhoea, typhoid and upper respiratory track infections. A health sector coordination meeting will now be held every Wednesday at the MoH. (Feb-08, OCHA)

 

MoH working with the Regional DKI Jakarta Crisis Management Centre. MoH now operates five mobile clinics daily with 43 health teams. Distributed medicine and food. 30 rubber boats, 2 units of emergency kit, 7 tents and 3 mobile water purification units provided to Ciledug, Petamburan, Cipinang and other affected areas. 16 teams that consist of the Health Office, the army and the police and district and provincial health officials, conducting assessments and surveillance. 20 teams deployed for water purification and post-flood cleanup training. (Feb-08, OCHA)

 

MoH dispatched about 160 health officials for disease surveillance – about 100,000 people have been treated for diarrhea, acute respiratory infection, fever and itching skin. Another 40 hospitalized. Three cases of leptospirosis reported. (Feb-11, Bloomberg)

 

Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) providing kitchens in 11 locations serving an estimated 46,000 survivors, while food and NFIs are being distributed throughout Jakarta. Safe drinking water also set up in 11 locations for more than 15,500 people. PMI teams working with Danamon Peduli Foundation in west Jakarta and Kerawang district, treating around 1,000 patients daily. Seven rapid response SATGANA teams and around 500 volunteers deployed in Jakarta. (Feb-08, IFRC)

 

Local communities, local NGOs, universities, political parties, private sector, media, religious groups, and other institutions providing substantial assistance to affected communities with food and NFIs, health assistance and SAR efforts. (Feb-09, OCHA)

 

International Response

 

To date, no formal request for international assistance has been issued by the GOI, however, the GOI has asked several UN agencies for targeted assistance.

 

United Nations

 

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Wednesday (February 7) that due to developments in the situation, a United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team would not be sent to Jakarta because it is not required.  

 

UNICEF working with MoH, WHO and other international partners for disease mitigation. Will support measles campaign in 14 IDP locations starting 13 February, and distribute vitamin A, ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) sachets, water purification tablets, and zinc supplements. (Feb-08, UNICEF) UNICEF provided US$150,000 for safe water supplies in North Jakarta. Thirty 4,000-litre (1,057 gallons) collapsible water bladders will supply 240,000 people. Will also distribute 5,000 jerry cans and water purification supplies, as well as 8,346 hygiene kits. Working with GOI to assess damage to schools, and school equipment, following the flooding of 1,458 schools. (Feb-09, OCHA)

 

UNICEF has urged communities not to distribute infant formula to flood victims, as affected families do not have easy access to clean water, or means to purify it. (Feb-09, OCHA)

 

In response to the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare’s formal request for food assistance, World Food Program (WFP) will provide 3.42 metric tons of noodles and biscuits for Tangerang area through MENKOKESRA (Coordinating Ministry for People’s Welfare). (Feb-07, OCHA)

 

UNFPA has allocated US$96,000 for its response to the floods in Jakarta and surrounding areas. 800 personal hygiene kits, out of a total of 8,300, distributed through the Crisis Management Centre organized by MoH. (Feb-09, OCHA)

 

WHO helped to establish 15 mobile health units across Jakarta and conducting disease surveillance. (Feb-08, OCHA) WHO, through the MoH, has provided 2 units of emergency kits and 2 units of diarrhoea kits. (Feb-09, OCHA) Providing emergency kits and rubber boats to assist temporary health posts. (Feb-09, UN)

 

Office of UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Jakarta continues to support BAKORNAS PB Operating Center in disseminating public information and conducting assessments. (Feb-08. OCHA)

 

UNHCR has contributed an amount equivalent to US$25,000 to the Office of the National Coordinating Board for Natural Disasters, BAKORNAS PB. (Feb-09, UNHCR)

 

UN OCHA’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) contributing US$2 million for relief. (Feb-09, OCHA) OCHA has been asked to serve as main interlocutor with international community in Operations Center of National Coordinating Board for Disaster Management (BAKORNAS). (Feb-09, OCHA)

 

NGOs/IOs

 

Action Contre la Faim (ACF) Indonesia provided 5 units of tent, water tanks in 6 locations, 7,264 soaps, 3,640 blankets, and 1,820 plastic plaited mats. (Feb-09, OCHA)

 

Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) dispatched emergency response teams, and distributed food to 4,500 people in Kapuk and Kampung Melayu in Jakarta. Aid includes shelter and household items, as well as a medical team in coming days. (Feb-06, ADRA)

 

Americares providing 1,000 clean up kits for IDPs in Kampung Melayu area. May also provide supplies to owners of pre-existing micro-enterprises that were destroyed during the floods. (Feb-08, OCHA)

 

CARE providing clean water supplies to 3,000 families; hygiene kits to 1,500 families; and food to up to 5,000 families in 9 sub-districts in Tangerang district, as well as food to emergency posts. Will distribute hygiene kits to 1,500 families in Tangerang from 9 to 10 February. (Feb-08, OCHA)

 

Church World Service and other members of Action by Churches Together (ACT) distributed water to 280 households in Cipinang (east Jakarta), as well as tents and blankets to IDPs in Matraman (central Jakarta) and Jatinegara (east Jakarta). Medical assistance and hygiene kits will also be provided in Cipinang. (Feb-08, CWS) In partnership with Yakkum Emergency Unit (YEU), medical assistance provided to 100 people per day in this area. CWS to assist a further 1,310 families (3,200 people) with sanitation items. (Feb-08, OCHA) YEU will join partner Yayasan Tanggul Bencana Indonesia (YTBI) for mobile clinic activities. (Feb-08, ACT)

 

DHL Indonesia supporting MoH (Ministry of Health) logistics through WHO, by providing trucks to deliver relief items to flood-affected areas. (Feb-08, OCHA)

 

Direct Relief compiling aid worth US$280,550 for partner CHF International, which is assisting PMI. Assessing needs of local partners in affected areas. (Feb-08, DRI)

 

International Organization for Migration (IOM) delivered 81 inflatable rescue boats to BAKORNAS, police and MoH, with funds from the Dutch government. (Feb-09, IOM)

 

International Medical Corps deployed mobile medical teams though existing USAID/OFDA-funded disaster preparedness mechanism. (Feb-09, OFDA)

 

Mercy Corps sent emergency hygiene supplies to 7,000 affected individuals. Assisted four public kitchens in South and Central Jakarta. Plans to expand response to include NFIs, food, water and other items. (Feb-06, Mercy Corps)

 

Oxfam working with local partners Bhari and LPTP to distribute emergency supplies (wat/san and hygiene) to areas where people have received little to no assistance. (Feb-09, Oxfam)

 

Plan Indonesia rapid assessment teams sent to Petamburan, Karet Tengsin, Kebon Melati, Kebon Pala and Tanabang to assess children’s welfare. (Feb-08, Plan)

 

Save the Children UK supporting partner organizations, Yayasan Aulia and Yayasan Sanggar Anak Akar, by providing food and water to be distributed over two days in East Jakarta. (Feb-06, Save the Children)

 

SOS Kinderdorf distributing food and emergency supplies to 7,000 people. Also assisting 3,000 families in Kampung Makasar, Jatinegara, Pulo Gadung and Klender. (Feb-09, SOS Kinderdorf International)

 

Singapore Red Cross offered 50,000 Singapore dollars (US$33,000) to PMI. (Feb-07, SRC)

 

Trocaire pledged 50,000 euro (US$65,00) in funding to local partner Karina to distribute medicine, food, water and NFIs. (Feb-06, Troicaire)

 

Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation sent volunteers that distributed food and water to more than 124,000 people in East, West and North Jakarta. Established temporary health center in Kapuk village. Mobilized 51 doctors and nurses, and treated more than 1,800 patients. (Feb-08, Tzu Chi)

 

Urban Poor Linkage (UPLINK), a partner of Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace NGO and a coalition of Indonesian community organizations, to set up temporary shelter and distributing food, medicine and shelter items. (Feb-06, Development and Peace)

 

World Vision plans a total of US$350,000 in aid. World Vision Indonesia, partnering with Wahana Visi Indonesia, providing emergency assistance in 11 sub-districts in East Jakarta and 3 sub-districts in North Jakarta. NFIs, food items, and baby kits distributed to 7,553 households, and packages of medicines, clean water and lightings were distributed to 25 posts. (Feb-07, OCHA)

 

Foreign Governments

 

Australia will boost its emergency relief to A$250,000 (US$194,000). On 12 February, an initial A$150,000 (US$116,000) was announced for delivery through PMI. Food aid will be provided through WFP. (Feb-09, OCHA)

 

Canada has approved CAD 50,000 (US$42,619) to provide food and NFI supplies. PMI will receive CAD 30,000 (US$25,572) to distribute hygiene kits to 2,200 families in Jakarta, Bekasi, Tangerang, Karawang and Bogor. Remaining CAD 20,000 (US$17,048) distributed through Kepal Perempuan, an organization focused on women's issues, to Klender (East Jakarta) and Kalibata (South Jakarta). (Feb-09, OCHA)

 

China will donate US$20,000 to Indonesia through the Red Cross. (Feb-06, Xinhua)

 

Danish Red Cross will provide 2,250 hygiene kits. (Feb-08, OCHA)

 

European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid deparment (ECHO), allocated 600,000 euros (US$781,000) implemented by Action Contre la Faim (ACF), CARE NL, World Vision and Medecins du Monde FR (MDM) for food, NFIs, wat/san, shelter and health. (Feb-06, ECHO)

 

Germany providing 250,000 euro (US$325,000) to Indonesia. (Feb-06, GOG)

 

Malaysia provided 5 tonnes of blankets, 2 tonnes of sanitary napkins, 1 ton of cleaning kits, 2 tonnes of medicines and 5 tonnes of food items. (Feb-09, OCHA)

 

Netherlands has sent 1 million euros (US$1.3 million) – half sent to Indonesian Red Cross, the other half sent to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to purchase rubber boats. (Feb-07, GON)

 

New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID) providing NZ$ 100,000 (US$68,000) to be channeled to PMI through the New Zealand Red Cross (NZRC) and the IFRC. (Feb-07, OCHA)

 

Saudi Arabia has provided US$250,000 to GOI. (Feb-09, OCHA)

 

Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECI) pledged 100,000 Euro (US$130,000) to be channeled through PMI, to focus on wat/san. (Feb-08, OCHA)

 

Switzerland has increased aid to 500,000 Swiss francs (US$40,000). Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Swiss Red Cross have donated 100,000 Swiss francs (US$81,000) to support PMI with logistics and emergency relief. (Feb-08, GOS)

 

USAID/OFDA (Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance) sent another US$100,000 to Jakarta for clean-up, clean water and public health outreach. Total OFDA funds granted is US$200,000. USAID Indonesia has provided assistance through NGO food security partners. (OFDA, Feb-9) About US$100,000 channeled through IFRC and its partners PMI, CARE, Mercy Corps, and World Vision. (Feb-05, 06 OCHA)

 

Note: See following annexes for updated details on alert levels, affected populations, rain forecast and other information in affected areas.

 

Annex 1: (BMG Rainfall forecast Map)

Caption:

BMG rainfall forecast map for February 2007. (source: WHO Sitrep #3 – 5 Feb)

 

 

Annex 2: Flood Areas in Jakarta, Banten, West Jawa Provinces (as of 8 Feb 2007)

 

Source: UN Department of Safety and Security (UN DSS) – 8 Feb 2007, OCHA http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/LCZN-6Y93JL?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=idn
Annex 3: (Bakornas Table of Affected Populations)

The following table provides current data on casualties, IDPs and flooded houses as of 8 February 2007:

 

 

Source: OCHA Sitrep #6 – 8 Feb

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EGUA-6Y9SBY?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=idn