Indonesian capital braces for another round of flood

Channel NewsAsia 2 Jun 08;

JAKARTA: Jakarta is bracing for another round of flooding in the next few days, as exceptionally high tides are expected.

Weathermen predicted seasonal high tides reaching two meters or above will hit Jakarta between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Many residents living in the coastal areas north of Jakarta, however, greeted news of an impending flood with a shrug of the shoulders.

"This is a recent phenomenon. If I'm not wrong, major floods have hit us three times this year. It has never happened before," said Madam Cartem, a Muara Baru resident.

Experts said the expected high tides are part of an 18-year cycle. But coupled with land subsidence and higher sea levels, the threat of Jakarta's coastal areas sinking is beginning to look very real.

Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo said: "We are reviewing our master plan and we hope we will find the proper way... to protect the coastal areas of Jakarta from any possible threat in the future."

But for now, authorities are raising embankments in the hope of keeping the high tides at bay. Similar preparations are also underway along the toll road that links the capital to the airport.

Besides building embankments, the authorities have brought in mobile pumps to channel floodwater back into a nearby river. Trucks are also being prepared to ferry passengers to the airport in case the roads become impassable for small vehicles.

This year alone Jakarta suffered major flight disruptions on two occasions when flooding cut off access to the airport.

Authorities are hoping weather in Jakarta remains sunny in the next couple of days. Rain would worsen the flood situation because the current flood canals in the capital can no longer accommodate rainwater. - CNA/ac