Jakarta braces for floods following downpour

The Jakarta Post, Bogor | Jakarta | Wed, November 21 2012, 8:09 PM

Jakartans should brace for floods as the Ciliwung River overflew after heavy rains pounded Puncak and Bogor in West Java on Wednesday afternoon.

The water levels at sluice gates at Katulampa in Bogor reached an alarming 100 centimeters, raising its status to alert level 3, said head of the gate, Andi Sudirman, as quoted by tempo.co.

“The water levels have been increasing since 3 p.m. and reached 100 centimeters at 5:10 p.m.,” he said.

Katulampa gate holds a water debit that flows into Ciliwung River, which crosses many parts of Jakarta. The excessive water debit at the gate could put some areas of the city at risk for flooding.

Andi called on residents living on the banks of the Ciliwung River in Jakarta to remain alert as water from Bogor would likely reach Jakarta at 4 a.m. on Thursday. (han)