OBI Supplies Aid to Jakarta

JAKARTA - The surging waters have left most Jakartans bewildered and unprepared as torrential rains bombarded the whole of Jakarta, the worst flooding since 2002. Most of the victims now are living in cramped evacuation centers with little food and clean drinking water. Fleeing residents also fear an outbreak of diseases such as dysentery and diarrhea. Suminah, the mother of a one year old, is saddened by the tragedy. Her family was forced to abandon their home and they're now living in an evacuation center. "I feel so bad that this had happened," said Suminah. "All of our belongings have been swept away by the flood. We don't know what to do." It's clean-up time for most of Jakarta. However in the district of Rawa Mangun where waters are knee deep, residents are threatened by rising flood waters. Many are still refusing to leave their endangered homes, while others have sought refuge and help from anyone who will lend a helping hand. Operation Blessing Indonesia is the first organization to respond to the needs of these residents by reaching the worst hit districts, distributing much needed medicines and relief goods. Tona is a recipient of OBI's disaster relief efforts. "Without Operation Blessing, we don't know if we'll ever survive. There was no food to eat, but now we have something to sustain us. Thank you very much!" she said. Officials say that the worst of the flood may be over but a long road to recovery is still ahead for the residents of Jakarta. With more than a quarter million people still homeless, the major challenge now for them is to find permanent housing and begin rebuilding their lives.