World Vision provides aid as floods shut down Jakarta

Friday, January 18, 2013

A state of emergency has been declared in Jakarta as floods sweep through the city, and aid agencies are working to reach those affected as soon as possible.

International humanitarian agency World Vision has responded quickly to the massive floods, already handing out blankets and sleeping mats to affected children.

The World Vision team has also started establishing hygiene kit distributions, and has sent assessment teams to check on the amount of damage and the needs of the local population.

More than 20,000 people have fled their homes after torrential rains hit 52 districts of Jakarta this week. Up to 350,000 may have to be evacuated from the affected areas as water levels reached 2.5m deep in some regions.

World Vision Australia’s head of Humanitarian Affairs Anthea Spinks said staff on the ground had reported a number of obstacles.

“More than 200 power plants have closed down, leaving Jakarta without electricity. Roads are blocked, businesses and schools have closed and public transport has stopped,” Ms Spinks said.

“We have also seen food prices at traditional markets starting to rise, which will put a lot of pressure on people who are already facing some serious challenges without the added burden of rapid inflation.”

Parts of Jakarta are prone to flooding, and World Vision has pre-positioned goods there to respond quickly to any disaster, depending on the needs of the community.

“We are responding quickly to ensure these vulnerable people are looked after, and the risks of illness are minimised,” Ms Spinks said.

“Unfortunately these floods have affected some of the poorest people in Jakarta, the very people with the fewest resources to evacuate or access emergency goods.”

To donate to the Emergency Preparedness Fund, which helps World Vision respond to disasters, call 13 32 40 or go to www.worldvision.com.au

Media Releases, Emergencies, Asia and the Pacific, Anthea Spinks, Disaster relief, Flood, Indonesia, Jakarta

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