Australia and the United States have provided emergency relief for victims of floods that have displaced almost 340,000 people in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. That's mighty nice of us. It won't stop them from the occasional riot and/or murder of our nationals once things dry out, of course.
Indonesian rescuers, police and troops in inflatable boats are helping to evacuate residents stranded in severe floods that have killed 29. Australian Ambassador Bill Farmer says the contribution of $A150,000 will provide thousands of emergency food parcels and hygiene kits to be distributed by the Indonesian Red Cross. "We are in close contact with the Indonesian Government and other humanitarian agencies and stand ready to provide further assistance as required," he said. He also offered Australia's condolences over the victims of the disaster.
The US embassy says it will give $US100,000 ($A129,000) in emergency assistance through the Red Cross and other organisations to provide emergency supplies and items such as plastic sheets, cooking utensils and sleeping mats.
Tens of thousands of houses have been inundated after rivers and canals that criss-cross Jakarta burst their banks following days of torrential downpours in the city and the adjoining towns of Tangerang and Bekasi. Health ministry officials have estimated the number of displaced at nearly 340,000.