Deadly Flooding Disastrous: Jakarta, West Java

It has been a week now since the Indonesian capital was struck by the worst floods in recent memory and although the waters had receded in many districts, conditions remain grim where the city’s poor live.

Finger-pointing has already begun and government officials are ducking for cover, and, rightly so. Flooding happens year after year in the nation’s capital and one would think that the local government in a city where 12 million people live would actually do something to alleviate these natural disasters.

It is estimated that between 240,000 and 400,000 people are still unable to return to their homes. As with all floods in tropical regions, diseases emerge and unfortunately, the death toll rises. Up until now, 84,000 people have been treated for maladies that include itchy skin, coughs or common colds resulting from contact with dirty water or exposure.

With the rainy season not due to end until the end of next month, more heavy rain is forecasted.