Oxfam assists communities affected by Jakarta floods

International agency Oxfam has started its response to help people affected by flooding that hit the greater Jakarta area since 1 February 2007.

It is estimated that more than 300,000 people have been left homeless after days of torrential rain that killed at least 25 people, according to Government sources. The devastation caused by the flooding has been the worst in five years.

“While the water levels are now receding there is still a high risk of outbreak of diseases such as diorrhoea. We need to act quickly to ensure that people have safe water sources and that those who have not been reached yet receive much needed assistance,” David Macdonald, Oxfam’s Country Program Manager said.

Oxfam in collaboration with its local partners Bahari and LPTP are quickly putting together an emergency assistance program aiming to aid about 30,000 people in the Jakarta and Tangerang areas.

“To add value to the government’s intervention Oxfam and partners will focus on providing assistance to areas where people have received little or no assistance to date,” Macdonald added.

Oxfam will distribute the following relief assistance:

• Provision of emergency water supply for about 30.000 people / 6000 households

• Provision of emergency latrines, either mobile or public latrines

• Provision of 6000 Hygiene kits

• Distribution of 6000 Plastic sheeting, & 30.000 sarongs

• Distribution of dignity kits (women & men’ s underwear & bra)

The distribution of these items is expected to take place during the coming weekend. The initial project will be carried out in 6-8 weeks. Oxfam is currently assessing the medium terms needs of communities and may extend its initial program to address these.