Jakarta Gets a Little Too Wet – Residents Forced to Take the Plunge
What’s going on? The Indonesian capital was turned into a sprawling water park last Saturday, with more than a thousand people ditching their homes and heading to safer spots. Meteorologists are saying the deluge is set to keep arriving for the next week.
Flood‑Fast Facts
- Evacuations: 1,380 residents were moved out from the south and east sides of Jakarta.
- Water depth: Some spots swelled up to 1.8 metres – that’s deep enough for a small boat.
- No casualties reported so far, but the city’s life is in a precarious pose.
What the Residents Are Seeing
Photos online show :
- A shoulder‑high muddied grab of water
– locals wading around like it’s a spa. - Cars that are almost drowned—you could nearly spot the splash patterns.
- Rescue squads ferrying elderly folks in shiny rubber dinghies as the monsoon drums on.
Governor’s Word
Jakarta’s governor Anies Baswedan told local TV that 200 neighbourhoods were hit. He mentioned more than 24 evacuation centres set up. “The rain’s stopped, but the water’s still creeping in from everywhere,” he said. “Hope it doesn’t splash into the city centre. When it takes a dip, people can bounce back.”
Things Rough For The City
All of this is happening while:
- Indonesia wrestles with a crushing COVID‑19 caseload and a record number of deaths in Southeast Asia.
- Meanwhile, the economy is pulling back—a perfect storm of trouble.
Meteorology Update
The BMKG, Indonesia’s weather authority, warns that Jakarta could see its biggest rainfalls of the season soon, with thunder, wind, and even heavier downpours expected next week.
“We’re in critical times,” says BMKG head Dwikorita Karnawati. “Jakarta is still at the peak of its rainy season, which might stretch until late February or early March.”
Data Snapshot
- Alert for 4 days ahead.
- Pasar Minggu in southern Jakarta rained a record 226 mm in just 24 hours.
Stay tuned, folks. Jakarta’s summer swim is far from over, and the city’s “dry” days are still tomorrow’s prophecy.
