15,000 people forced to leave their homes
Bangkok, 18th January 2013 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has launched an appeal to assist families affected by severe flooding in Indonesia’s capital city Jakarta and outlying areas. According to latest reports by Indonesia’s National Board of Disaster Management[1], more than 15,000 people have been forced to leave their homes, and over 100,000 people have been affected by the floodwater.
Torrential rain starting on Wednesday caused rivers to overflow and flooding engulfed most of Jakarta on Thursday. In some areas, floodwater rose to two meters. Jakarta’s governor, Joko Widodo, has declared a state of emergency in the capital until 27th January.
“Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has deployed an assessment team to the worst affected areas, and is preparing to distribute house repair and cleaning kits over the coming weeks. Your donation will enable us to help more affected families. As in previous disasters, we are committed to supporting affected families rebuild their lives and gain access to decent shelter,” said Rick Hathaway, Asia-Pacific vice president for Habitat for Humanity.
To donate, please visit give2habitat.org
The five-year cycle Jakarta floods had been predicted to hit this year; the last, in 2007, killed more than 80 people. Jakarta’s Provincial Agency for Disaster Management[2] has warned that heavy rains are expected to continue in coming days.
[1] Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB) - bnpb.go.id
2 Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah (BPBD)
Habitat for Humanity Indonesia
Habitat for Humanity Indonesia began operations in 1997, and works in thirteen provinces across the country. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia works with international and local non-governmental organizations, microfinance institutions, cooperatives and faith-based organizations to help families have a decent place to live. Habitat Indonesia has built more than 32,000 homes and helped to shelter more than 120,000 people. habitatindonesia.org
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by building and improving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. An estimated 176,000 of these families are in the Asia-Pacific region, where Habitat has been active since 1983. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit habitat.org/asiapacific or follow us at facebook.com/habitat.
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Contact:
Heron Holloway
+65 9068 1892
hholloway@habitat.org