JAKARTA: At least 21 people have been killed, mainly as a result of electrocution, as a result of flooding that has hit the Indonesia capital Jakarta. The floods, which began last Tuesday, have seen over 250,000 people hit, forcing the government to evacuate residents and offer assistance. Residents hit by the flooding have complained to Bikyanews.com that there is a lack of food, water, shelter and medicine being provided by the government to help them in their time of need. “We don't have the things needed in order to stay safe and I hope the government does more,” said Ibrahim, a 45-year-old father of three who saw his small home overrun by water last Wednesday and has been staying at a government facility waiting to return home. More than 18,000 people had yet to return to their homes as of Saturday due to the flooding caused by torrential rains in the low-lying city, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, locally known as BNPB. Flood waters have swamped even downtown areas, including where the presidential palace is situated. The flooding is the worst the capital has seen in years and has seen the international community begin to assist the Indonesian government with providing adequate shelter and assistance for families affected by the flooding. Bikyanews.com
