A reported 36 people were killed and more than 300,000 people have been displaced when heavy flooding swept through Jakarta, Indonesia in the early morning hours of Feb 3. 

Many of the displaced residents have taken refuge in schools, churches, mosques and other public buildings in the flood-stricken capital city.  Damaged sanitation systems and contaminated water supplies throughout the city have increased the risk of diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid. Basic emergency needs include food, medicine, blankets, and shelter.

Immediately after the flooding started, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) formed a rapid assessment team to evaluate the needs of the survivors and provide for their most urgent concerns. ADRA initiated its emergency response on Tuesday, Feb. 6, as teams began distributing food packets to approximately 900 displaced families, or 4,500 individuals. Efforts are being targeted in two of the hardest-hit areas of the city: the Kapuk section of West Jakarta and the Kampung Melayu section of East Jakarta.

ADRA’s initial response also includes distributing bedding kits containing mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets, along with household kits containing cleaning supplies and hygiene items. In addition, a medical team will be activated in coming days to address any emerging health issues resulting from the flooding.

ADRA is coordinating its response with the United Nations and local government authorities and will continue to meet the changing needs of flood survivors.

Indonesia is still recovering from the 2004 tsunami that destroyed whole villages and killed hundreds of thousands in South Asia. 

To assist in ADRA’s response to the flooding in Indonesia, contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372), or donate online at www.adra.org.