JAKARTA — Finally, Jakarta’s annual floods have arrived.; a little later than usual, but this year the rains have hit hard, and they’ve inundated not only Jakarta, but areas across the Indonesian archipelago - a consequence of the tropical storms that are a feature of the region.
Jakarta recorded it’s highest rainfall of the season on February 20. The rising waters, chest-deep in some places, and the destruction they bring have already killed three people this month. The toll of dead and displaced is likely to increase.
So far, the worst-hit area is in Cipinang, in East Jakarta. Thousands of dwellings have been evacuated and residents have been given temporary shelter at Borobudur University until the waters recede.
Images on social media show volunteers, emergency services and city government workers helping flood victims into boats.
As long as the better weather continues, the city will ride it out, just as it always does.
