Thousands Displaced as Flooding Hits Indonesian Capital Jakarta
Jakarta — Residents are wading through flooded streets as Indonesia faces the aftermath of heavy rainfall that has inundated the capital and surrounding areas.
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) had warned of extreme weather from March 18-20, 2025, due to the appearance of Tropical Cyclone Seed 91S in the Indian Ocean and Madden-Julian Oscillation activity.
The extreme weather has exacerbated Jakarta’s chronic problems of poor urban planning and land subsidence.
Recent floods displaced 120,000 residents, killed a child, and overwhelmed infrastructure.
Heavy showers persisted for several days, with daily rainfall recorded between 165mm and 208mm, overwhelming Jakarta’s drainage system, which can only handle a maximum of 150mm of rain per day.
As of 2025, Jakarta’s metro area population is estimated at almost 12 million inhabitants. In 2024, 315 people were killed and 49 were recorded missing following 913 flood and landslide events across Indonesia.
It’s important to note that the number of deaths can vary significantly from year to year depending on the severity and frequency of natural disasters.
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, potentially leading to higher casualty rates in the future
The flooding has resulted in significant disruptions, with reports of:
- A young child’s death
- 120,000 residents displaced
- Critical infrastructure failures
Jim Luce of Orphans International Worldwide reflects on Jakarta’s flash flooding challenges, recalling being stranded at Mall Taman Anggrek due to impassable roads after heavy rains.
Rainfall exceeding Jakarta’s drainage capacity continues to highlight the city’s vulnerability and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Local authorities are urging residents in disaster-prone areas to remain vigilant, as the impact of extreme weather may lead to floods, landslides, and falling trees.
Rescue team members work on site after flood and landslides in Sukabumi Regency, West Java, Indonesia, March 9, 2025.
The BMKG has also warned of high waves in the southern waters of Bali and the Lombok Strait, reaching up to three meters.
As Indonesia continues to face the challenges of climate change and urbanization, questions arise about Jakarta’s preparedness for more frequent floods and extreme weather events.
Floods and landslides accounted for 86.8% of all natural disaster-related deaths in Indonesia in 2024.
Climate Crisis Hits Home: Jakarta’s Annual Floods Worsen (March 10, 2025)
#JakartaFloods #IndonesiaRains #ClimateEmergency #ExtremeWeather
Tags: Jakarta, Indonesia, flooding, extreme weather, climate change, urban planning, infrastructure
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