Foke: We need to pray that flood won't happen

Jakarta administration deploys more than 7,000 officers to anticipate possible floods in the capital as the rainy season is approaching.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has earlier warned possible recurrence of the massive floods that had paralyzed some parts of the city as happened in 2002 and 2007.

"We all know that any disaster anticipation work must be done in the long period of time. The disaster mitigation efforts should also involve all stakeholders, including the public," said Jakarta Governor Fauzi "Foke" Bowo during the roll call for the flood alertness drill at the National Monument Square in Central Jakarta on Wednesday.

Officers from 32 relevant city agencies, city police and military command, took part in the roll call.

"We prepare 50 rubber dinghies to be stationed in Jakarta, 25 for Thousand Island Regency. Each dinghy will be equipped with five diving tools," said Didit, an officer with Jakarta Public Order Agency as quoted by Tribunnews.com.

BMKG forecast rains would fall starting December to the first half of February next year.

"We need to pray that the disaster won't happen," Fauzi said.