Jakarta Floods 340,000 Homeless

[Christina]

Jakarta floods death toll rises At least 20 people have been killed and 340,000 made homeless by massive floods that have swept through the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. Three days of torrential rain have caused rivers to burst their banks, sending muddy water up to 3m (10ft) deep into homes and businesses. Authorities say the city of nine million people is now on its highest level of alert. The floods are said to be the worst to hit Jakarta for five years. Meteorologists have warned the downpour is likely to continue for another week, and with heavy rains falling on hilly regions to the south, more flooding is threatened. Power cuts Rising floodwaters have cut water supplies and communications to parts of the city and forced medical teams to use boats and helicopters to reach many of those left stranded. More than 670,000 people have been left without electricity.