February 22, 2007

Flooding in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta this month has caused nearly $1 billion in damage, government officials have announced. Estimates of those who died have ranged from 50 to as many as 85. The flooding caused at least 470,000 to flee their homes.

The Agence France Press (AFP) news agency reported that national and local political figures have been debating whether the floods were caused by over-building and excessive construction on natural drainage areas or were the result of what one called a "cyclical natural phenomenon."

Church World Service Indonesia reports that the Indonesian Ministry of Health has said four major health outbreaks could occur as the result of the flooding: diarrhea; ARI (acute respiratory infection); typhoid; and leptospirosis, a bacteria-borne illness common in tropical regions.

Meanwhile, as flooding in Jakarta recedes, a major storm earlier this week caused serious damage in Yogyakarta, in central Java, the site of a May 2006 earthquake. Church World Service Indonesia reports that the storm hit four parts of the city center, destroying more than 700 homes and structures within 30 minutes.

RESPONSE: Church World Service Indonesia has responded to these two events with immediate material assistance.

In Jakarta, CWS distributed mineral water and instant noodles to approximately 125 households -- 500 persons - in the Cipinang Besar Utara section of the city. In partnership with partner and fellow Action by Churches Together (ACT) International member Yayasan Tanggul Bencana Indonesia (YTBI), CWS also distributed tents and blankets to approximately 250 families in Koinonia Church Jatinegara at a public assistance center.

CWS is planning to assist a further 5,596 flood affected households by distributing drinking water; food (instant noodles) and non-food items, including hygiene kits, blankets, mattresses, mosquito nets, debris and cleanup tools; first aid medical assistance; and water storage items, such as jerry cans and buckets. Disaster preparedness activities are also planned. In partnership with Yakkum Emergency Unit (YEU), CWS has also provided medical assistance for 100 displaced persons in Cipinang Besar Utara.

Meanwhile, in Yogyakarta, Java. CWS Indonesia, working with local partners Mitra Alama and AGAPE, has distributed the following items: 100 cartons of mineral water; 50 cartons of instant noodles; 10 cartons of biscuits; 5.5 cartons baby biscuits;12 packages of baby porridge; 20 units of storm lamps; 36 cans of canned fish; two cartons of soybeans; eight family tents; five tarpaulins.

Media Contacts: Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676; lcrosson@churchworldservice.org Jan Dragin (24/7), 781-925-1526; jdragin@gis.net

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