Relief Efforts Under Way In Flooded Jakarta; More Heavy Rains Expected

Catholic Relief Services
Thursday, 7 February 2002

As rain-swamped Jakarta braces for more fierce storms, relief efforts are under way to assist the hundreds of thousands left homeless by the worst flooding to hit the Indonesian capital in decades. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has initiated emergency distributions of food and material items to 50,000 people throughout the city, large parts of which are engulfed following nearly two weeks of heavy rains.

"Because the ground is so waterlogged, drains are quickly clogging up, which threatens the water supply and increases the likelihood of waterborne diseases," said Michael Frank, CRS' Country Representative for Indonesia. "In one way or another, almost all Jakarta residents are being impacted by the flooding. But right now we're focusing on the displaced, many of whose homes are totally submerged."

Working with a local partner organization, CRS' initial distribution of 50 tons of rice will be followed by additional food distributions totaling 100 tons. CRS is also preparing to purchase for distribution material items such as brooms, water cans, soap and insect repellant.

"Our first priority is getting as much aid to as many people as possible," said Frank. "But the neediest - those who are extremely destitute or elderly or have lost everything to the floods - they are going to need much more assistance beyond this initial relief effort."

While rains slowed last weekend, heavy precipitation picked up again early this week, and more storms are expected this weekend. Thus far, the severe weather, which has also triggered landslides in the eastern part of Indonesia's Java island, has killed at least 57 people in Greater Jakarta and approximately 27 more in other parts of the country. In Jakarta alone, approximately 365,000 are homeless.

Catholic Relief Services has been working in Indonesia since 1957 and continues to provide assistance through agriculture, emergency assistance, health and micro finance programs.

Catholic Relief Services is the official overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Founded in 1943, the agency provides assistance to people in more than 80 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Catholic Relief Services provides assistance on the basis of need, not race, creed or nationality.

For more information, or to contact Catholic Relief Services, see their website at: www.catholicrelief.org