Jakarta, Ekuatorial – Though increased rain intensity for the past few days, National Disaster Mitigation Agency on Thursday (22/1) said that it was nothing to worry as it was predicted peak rainy season would happened in January.
Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, head of information data center and spokesman for the agency said that rivers in Jakarta were still considered normal despite of recent heavy rains, nevertheless, Nugroho still warned people to be always aware for current condition.
“As we have predicted that peak for rainy season will happen on end of January to early February, similar to previous years when floods usually happen by the end of January,” he said adding that rain intensity in Jakarta was categorized as low to medium but high intensity rain was still potentially to occur.
Furthermore, he said that floods in Jakarta did not only depend on rain intensity but also influenced by duration and other factors, such as waste management and water catchment areas. “Floods in Jakarta are not mainly because of Bogor,” he said adding that the agency was working together with Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency to update flood prone areas data.
Deny Wahyu, head of DKI Jakarta Disaster Mitigation Agency, said that they were closely monitoring water gates from Bogor to Jakarta which were still categorized as Status Level 4. “Katulampa, Depok, Karet, Manggarai, Angke, and Cipinang water gates are still on Status Level 4. But, they could change status very quick,” said Wahyu.
He said that people living in river banks must be prepared for floods, also encouraged them to clean their environment. “Up to date, Kampung Pulo had been flooded and puddles can also be found in North Jakarta with average 20-30 centimeter deep,” he said adding that they have installed early warning system to anticpate on floods through short messaging system (SMS) containing information on water level and potential floods.
“We have early warning system through sirens [installed] in flood prone areas. We will activate them as warning for people,” he said adding that they have been preparing contingency plans which include rubber boats, water pumps and other logistics. Yanuar Hakam