Watch out for floods, Jakarta: Foke

Messy: In Nov. 11 file photo, construction workers lay the foundations of a drainage pumping station on Jl. Kemang Raya in South Jakarta on Wednesday. The agency has allocated Rp 137 million (US$15,344) to construct of 88 drainage pumping stations in eight districts as part of the flood-prevention program. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo called upon residents on Thursday to be alert for floods as the rainy season reaches its peak.

Fauzi said there were 62 areas in the city prone to flooding due to an overflowing Ciliwung River and high tides, tempo.co reported.

“Therefore I call upon all parties to be prepared,” he said during a flood response drill along the banks of Ciliwung River in East Jakarta.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency has forecast high rainfall in Jakarta until early March, while US meteorologists predicted that Indonesia would experience 70 percent more rain than normal this rainy season due to the “La Niña” climate phenomenon.

Fauzi, who faces mounting criticism for his continued failure to prevent flooding in the city, said that the city administration had flood plans in place and asked for residents’ support.

“If some say that the Jakarta administration does nothing, please take a look directly at the field. It takes time to deal with floods thoroughly and we need your cooperation.