Nethy Darma Somba, Jayapura – Heavy downpour since early in the morning caused flash floods in many areas of Jayapura on Thursday.
Residents of the Papua's provincial capital were shocked when they woke up in the morning only to find their homes inundated.
"I was lucky I woke up early today, otherwise my belongings would have been completely soaked," said Agustine, a resident of Kotaraja in Abepura.
At least three schools had been closed due to the natural disaster, said Jayapura Education Agency head I Wayan Mudiyasa.
Even many students of schools that remained open opted to stay at home. "I couldn't go to school; my home is flooded," said Gorion, a fourth-grader.
The overflowing Kali Acay River inundated residential areas and the Youtefa Market. Vendors were scrambling to secure their items at the market.
Jayapura Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Tober Sirait said he had deployed personnel and rubber boats to help evacuate residents. "We are helping to get residents to houses of relatives or friends that are unaffected," he said.
Jayapura is one of the cities to receive the 2017 Adipura Award from the Forestry and Environment Ministry on Wednesday. The award is given to cities and regencies for achievements in cleanliness, healthiness and sustainable development.
The head of the Jayapura Environment Agency, Ketty Kailola, said the flooding could not be blamed only on extreme weather but also on the city's poor drainage system. (bbs)