Jakarta Floods Today, Anies: Due To Extreme Weather

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan (Photo: DKI Pemprov PR)

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan held a coordination meeting at Manggarai Water Gate, South Jakarta regarding the Jakarta floods today.

After reviewing the water level from his staff's report, Anies said that the flooding in the capital city, especially in East Jakarta and South Jakarta today was caused by extreme weather and high rainfall.

Anies explained that the rainfall in Pasar Minggu reaches 226 mm per day, in Sunter Hulu 197 mm, at Halim Perdanakusuma it reaches 176 mm, and Lebak Bulus 154 mm.

"All numbers above 150 are extreme conditions. In the division of the scale, there is heavy rain up to 100 mm, then, 100 mm-150 mm is very heavy and above 150 mm is extreme rain," said Anies at Manggarai Water Gate, Central Jakarta, Saturday, February 20.

Unfortunately, said Anies, the drainage system in DKI is built with a rainfall capacity of between 50 and 100 millimeters per day. Drainage in the area is unable to accommodate water with high rainfall, resulting in water overflows to settlements.

"The capacity of the drainage system in Jakarta ranges from 50 to 100 mm. If it rains above 100 mm per day, then inundation will definitely occur because the capacity is limited to 100 mm," he said.

Therefore, Anies will prioritize handling residents who appear to be flooded. Starting from the preparation of evacuation places, to evacuating residents trapped in settlements.

"The priority is safety, ensuring that residents who are affected can have temporary rest areas. Once the water recedes they can return to their homes. As long as they are there the need for food, health service needs will certainly be available. God willing, once it recedes, they can return to their activities," he said.

Based on data as of 09.00 Western Indonesia Time, there were 200 RTs (Neighbourhood Associations) out of a total of 30,070 RTs. Then, there are 26 evacuation locations, with a total of 329 families out of a total of 2.4 million families in Jakarta.

The DKI Provincial Government has prepared a public kitchen for the refugees. Besides that, covid self-isolation tents were also prepared for those who have symptoms or are detected from antigen tests. "We also prepare medicines and infrastructure," he said.