The Health Of Children Affected By Floods In Kampung Melayu Becomes Citizens' Attention

JAKARTA - Residents affected by flooding on Jalan Kebon Pala II, Kampung Melayu, Jatinegara, East Jakarta, asked the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov) to focus more on providing health assistance for flood victims' children.

"Yes, especially what is needed now for children, especially their health," said one resident of RT 12/RW 04, Kebon Pala II, East Jakarta, Wahyu (45), as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, March 5.

According to Wahyu, the continuous rainy weather makes children more vulnerable to health problems such as cold, flu, and cough. Therefore, he hopes that the government can pay more attention to the health of children in affected areas.

"Because the most important thing is that children, currently the weather continues to rain, maybe children can easily get cold. So, please maintain their health," he said.

Floods that have occurred since Monday, March 3 in the morning have caused many residents, especially children, to flee to safer locations. Even though aid in the form of boxed rice and blankets such as blankets has been given by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, residents still hope for regular health checks.

The same thing was conveyed by Umiana (70), a resident of Kebon Pala II who took refuge with his children and two grandchildren at SDN Kampung Melayu 02, Jatinegara. According to him, children's health is a top priority because they are more susceptible to disease due to flooding.

"I told my children and grandchildren to go to this refugee camp. The house is still flooded. I just want their health to be maintained, don't get flu, cough, or itching," said Umiana.

He hopes that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and other related parties can prioritize children's health by routinely checking their condition and providing complete and easily accessible health services.

Meanwhile, the DKI Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported that as of Wednesday morning, there were still 85 neighborhood units (RT) and two roads in Jakarta that were flooded. In East Jakarta, 42 RTs were affected by flooding, with water levels varying from 40 to 250 cm in several urban villages, including Bidara Cina, Kampung Melayu, Cawang, and Cililitan.

Residents hope that the government will immediately provide more adequate health services for children so that they can avoid the risk of disease due to flooding that still hit their territory.