Flood hits East Jakarta

JAKARTA (JP): Floods swept across parts of East Jakarta yesterday when the Cipinang river overflowed due to heavy rains.

The areas affected were the Makasar, Kebon Pala and Cipinang Melayu sub-districts, with floodwater reaching 80 centimeters,Antara reported.

The news agency said the Ciliwung river's water level slightly rose but did not overflow.

Meanwhile East Jakarta Mayor Sudarsono said the flood warning sirene was sounded when the water level of the Ciliwung river in Depok reached 2,4 meters. "But people living near the riverbank in Depok were not evacuated because hours later the water level subsided," he said He said temporary shelters and public kitchens had been set up to anticipate more serious floods that would force people to flee their houses. (bas)