People wade in the floods in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 1, 2020. Torrential rains since New Year's Eve pounded Indonesian capital of Jakarta and its peripheral areas, causing massive floods on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri)
JAKARTA, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- Torrential rains since New Year's Eve pounded Indonesian capital of Jakarta and its peripheral areas, causing massive floods on Wednesday.
One teenager in Central Jakarta reportedly died of an electric shock in the floods. State-owned electricity firm PLN has temporarily shut down electricity in 724 flood-hit areas in the city to prevent any electricity-related accidents.
Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency Doni Monardo has called on the affected residents to evacuate.
Separately, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has instructed officials of his administration to get directly involved and help evacuate people.
"I want all the officials in the Jakarta administration to make sure that all government buildings and schools are ready to be used as evacuation shelters. Prepare public kitchens, healthcare posts, medicines, sleeping mats, public toilets and other basic needs for evacuees," he said.
The disaster has also disrupted public transportation systems in the city. At least 10 flights at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in East Jakarta were reportedly canceled.
