The Indonesian Red Cross has deployed seven of its specialized rapid response teams, known as SATGANA, and around 470 volunteers to areas affected by severe flooding in the capital of Jakarta.
According to local Red Cross officials, at least 29 people have been killed and around 270,000 made homeless by the rising water levels.
An estimated 60 per cent of the city is inundated with water following days of torrential rains, which caused several rivers to overflow. Hundreds of people are still believed to be trapped in their homes, while electricity and water supplies remain cut off in many parts of the city.
Telecommunications are also affected in some areas, while transportation has been disrupted in most places, with major train lines and several roads closed.
“We’re worried that the number of fatalities will rise since the heavy rains are expected to continue, threatening more floods,” says Iyang Sukandar, the secretary general of the Indonesian Red Cross. “We’re also worried about the spread of diseases, like diarrhea and dysentery because of the unsanitary conditions.”
The Indonesian Red Cross has been actively involved in rescue and evacuation operations over the past few days, as well as in the setting up of temporary shelters and field kitchens. They are also coordinating closely with the National Disaster Management and Coordination Committee.
Volunteers and staff from local Red Cross chapters are providing meals to 35,000 people per day, as well as distributing relief goods.
There are plans to target up to 9,500 families with the provision of supplementary food packets and hygiene items, as well as to start a drinking water distribution operation and mobilize five medical action teams to provide support to affected communities.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is assisting the Indonesian Red Cross with planning and coordination with other international organizations. The International Federation has also transferred 2,500 kits containing hygiene items, such as soap, tooth brushes and toilet paper, from its warehouse in Yogyakarta to Jakarta.
“The Indonesian Red Cross has been applying lessons learned from the 2002 floods in Jakarta,” says Bob McKerrow, the International Federation’s head of delegation in Indonesia. “Although their resources are stretched, the local Red Cross relief system is holding up and they are managing to reach the most vulnerable people affected by the floods.”