tudents
and Catholic volunteers are braving chest-high flood waters to help
stricken fellow citizens, since government help is too little and
too late. Continuous heavy rains in parts of greater Jakarta
over the past few days have brought misery to thousands of city
residents already suffering from massive flooding during the past
week. Without even the most basic assistance from the government,
people here are relying on the help of religious communities and
volunteers in the aftermath of floods which claimed at least 125
lives and ravaged belongings. Flood victims throughout the
archipelago are reported to be sixty five dead plus perhaps 400,000
suffering flood-related illnesses, influenza, diarrhea and skin
aliments.
In the midst of misery, solidarity is growing among Jakartans, usually said to be selfish and inconsiderate. Various groups in the capital took initiatives to help fellow citizens providing food, blankets etc.
Almost
unrelenting torrential rain brought the city of around 12 million
inhabitants to a near standstill last week, closing schools, shops
and public facilities. This triggered panic-buying at markets, as
the cost of basic goods such as rice and cooking oil rocketed.
And
still, in the midst of misery, solidarity is growing among Jakartans,
usually said to be selfish and inconsiderate. Various groups in the
capital took initiatives to help fellow citizens providing food,
blankets etc: Catholics from Jakarta’s archdiocese were among the
first to brave chest-high waters to reach stricken people and attend
to evacuees forced to live in makeshift shelters along city streets.
Floods
in the rainy season happen every year in Jakarta and outer regions.
There is growing criticism of President Megawati Sukarnoputri and
her government’s failure to address the problem and provide
flood-relief assistance. Cold and tired people, relying on the help
of volunteers and students, are wondering where is the military,
where is the police?
(From Fides Service)