Many Victims Not Yet Received Aid
Wednesday, 07 February, 2007 | 13:09 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Tangerang: More than a thousand (RW) 31 Perumnas III residents in Karawaci, Tangerang, were still trapped by flooding until yesterday (6/2).

The evacuation team has not yet arrived.

Government's aid has also not reached this location, which has been flooded since last weekend.

The health of residents who are still staying on the second floors of houses or on houses' rooftops is becoming worse as they cannot resist the cold weather and lack food.

“Many are sick, complaining of indigestion or breathing difficulties,” said Yuliah Iskandar, coordinator of the flood post on the outerskirts of the housing complex, yesterday.

Other Perumnas III residents whose houses have not been flooded too much have tried to provide help.
They delivered food by 'emergency boats' made out of drums or used car tires.

However, according to Yuliah, the entry point to RW 31 was narrow so it was difficult to reach.

Yuliah acknowledged he had asked for the search and rescue team and Tangerang Regency and Municipal Governments a few times.

However, up until yesterday, there had only been only one rubber boat sent to evacuate sick victims.

In Jakarta yesterday, evacuees at the railway tracks in Rawa Buaya subdistrict, Cengkareng, also acknowledged they had not received any help from the government.

“We only received aid from individuals,” said Ratmanto, 48, who works as a welder.

Rahmanto and hundreds of other residents built emergency tents alongside the railway tracks.

They have also made kitchens from whatever was available.
According to residents, the government's aid during this flooding is worse than in 2002.

The Jakarta Provincial Government has stated that residents who have not received help are those who refused to be evacuated.

Officers who distribute aid had experienced difficulties in reaching remote locations.

“We regret that there are still residents who refuse to be evacuated,” said Jakarta Government spokesperson Arie Budiman.

Sutiyoso, Jakarta Governor, suggested residents be willing to be evacuated, otherwise, starting today officers will take stricter action.

JONIANSYAH | SORTA TOBING