Extreme monsoon rains submerge parts of capital Jakarta under 2.7 m (8.8 feet) of water, Indonesia

Extreme monsoon rains brought massive flooding to the Indonesian capital Jakarta on Saturday, February 20, 2021, with parts of the city (population 30 million) under 1.2 to 2.7 m (3.9 – 8.8 feet) of water. The floods forced the evacuation of some 1 380 residents to temporary shelters. The waters are now receding, but more heavy rain is expected in the week ahead, and Jakarta remains on alert for the next 4 days.

National rescue agency spokesman Yusuf Latif said the floods were triggered by extreme downpours — with some areas recording 226 mm (8.9 inches) from Friday to Saturday.

The worst affected were the southern and eastern areas of the city, forcing 1 380 people to evacuate. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.

According to the latest data, 200 neighborhoods have been affected, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said.

"The rain has stopped, but water from other areas is still affecting the city. Hopefully, it won't hit the city center and when the water recedes people can resume their activities," Baswedan said.

The Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned the heaviest rain of the season may fall in and around the densely populated capital in the coming days, with extreme weather, including heavy rain, thunder and strong winds, expected throughout the next week.

"Jakarta and its surrounding areas are still in the peak period of the rainy season, which is estimated to continue until the end of February or early March," head of BMKG, Dwikorita Karnawati, said.

Featured image: BNBP