Key Takeaways:

• Thousands evacuated in Jakarta due to severe flooding.
• Floodwaters reached depths of up to 3 metres, affecting over 1,000 houses.
• The situation is aggravated by continuous torrential rain.

JAKARTA: Torrential rains have caused severe flooding in Indonesia's capital, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents across various regions of Jakarta. The extreme weather, which began on Monday, triggered flooding that submerged neighborhoods, blocking key roads and affecting the daily lives of approximately 30 million people residing in the Greater Jakarta area. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that more than 1,446 individuals have been affected, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the city, where floodwaters rose to a staggering 3 meters.

In one of the hardest-hit areas, Bekasi, floodwaters overwhelmed dozens of homes and even swamped a local hospital, leading to the evacuation of patients. Rescuers navigated the thigh-high waters using rubber boats to assist those trapped since early morning. An ongoing weather alert has been issued, with forecasts of continued heavy rainfall expected to persist throughout the week, prompting Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung to implement emergency measures including activating water pumps and conducting weather modification operations to mitigate the impact of rainfall.

The government has mobilized resources to assist evacuees by setting up temporary shelters and providing essential supplies, including food, clothing, and medications. As residents grapple with the aftermath of the floods, many express concerns about the future, having lost their belongings to the rising waters. "All my belongings are gone," said one displaced resident, emphasizing the dire situation faced by hundreds.

This year's flooding has reignited comparisons to the devastating floods of 2020, which claimed the lives of many and led to widespread displacement. According to various reports, the current flooding situation is among the worst seen since then, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of Jakarta, particularly during its wet season from November to March. For further coverage, visit Channel News Asia, Reuters, or SCMP.