Indonesia – 1 Dead, 1 Missing After Flash Floods in West Sumatra

Flash floods in the province of West Sumatra have affected 21 villages in 5 districts, according to the Indonesian disaster management agency, BNPD. Heavy rainfall triggered the flash floods in Pesisir Selatan Regency, Indonesia, during the evening of 23 January 2015. The floods forced 7,836 people to evacuate their homes. The flooding has since started to recede and the evacuees have been able to return. However the floods have severely damaged 2,600 homes in the area, as well as 2 schools, roads and several bridges. Over 200 hectares of agricultural land has also been damaged by the flooding. Two people were swept away in the floods. The body of one victim has been found. The other victim remains missing and searches are being carried out by BNPD personnel. Jakarta Floods Meanwhile the country’s capital, Jakarta, is experiencing prolonged heavy rainfall and an increased threat of flooding. Some areas of the city are already seeing flood water of around 30 cm deep. BNDP said that flooding has been reported in as many as 25 points in North Jakarta, and several other areas across the rest of the city. BNDP point out that river levels are currently safe and now rivers have been reported as overflowing.