The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has dispatched emergency response teams to help meet the needs of families affected by the heavy flooding that swept through Jakarta, Indonesia, in the early morning hours of February 3, 2007.

Reports state that more than 300,000 people have been displaced and 36 killed in the flood-stricken capital city. Many of the displaced residents are currently taking refuge in schools, churches, mosques, and other public buildings. Damaged sanitation systems and contaminated water supplies throughout the city have increased the risk of diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, and typhoid. Basic emergency needs include food, medicine, blankets, and shelter.

Immediately after the flooding started, ADRA formed a rapid assessment team to evaluate the needs of the survivors and provide for their most urgent concerns. ADRA initiated its emergency response on Tuesday, February 6, as teams began distributing food packets to approximately 900 displaced families, or 4,500 individuals. Efforts are being targeted in two of the hardest-hit areas of the city: the Kapuk section of West Jakarta and the Kampung Melayu section of East Jakarta.

ADRA’s initial response also includes distributing bedding kits containing mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets, along with household kits containing cleaning supplies and hygiene items. In addition, a medical team will be activated in coming days to address any emerging health issues resulting from the flooding.

ADRA is coordinating its response with the United Nations and local government authorities and will continue to meet the changing needs of flood survivors.

Further updates will be released as ADRA expands its relief response.

ADRA has been a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) in Indonesia for more than twenty years, working primarily in the areas of basic health care, income generation, emergency response, and education.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org