Floods paralyse Indonesia's capital
2013-01-17 08:01
Jakarta - Seasonal rains have triggered massive flooding in
Indonesia's capital, triggering the evacuation of at least 20 000 people in
Jakarta and bringing misery to many more.
Floods regularly hit parts of Jakarta in the rainy season,
but Thursday's inundation following an intense rain storm appeared especially
widespread.
Authorities said four people had been killed by the waters,
which washed into homes, offices, schools and roads across the city of 14
million people.
Monsoon rains, deforestation in the hills to the south of
the city, chaotic planning and hundreds of rivers and waterways combine to
cause floods, which expose the country's poor infrastructure even as it posts
impressive economic growth.
- SAPA
