Floods Displace 40,000 in Jakarta

Residents help evacuate an elderly woman at a flooded area in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, Feb. 2, 2007. Severe storms caused the worst flooding in Indonesia's capital in five years Friday as rivers broke their banks, inundating thousands of homes and businesses and submerging streets in shoulder-deep muddy water. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (Dita Alangkara - AP)

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Floods that have sent some 40,000 people fleeing their homes in the Indonesian capital created more havoc Saturday, with many parts of the city still under neck-high water and authorities warning more rivers may burst their banks.

Two days of incessant rain triggered floods Friday in Jakarta that inundated thousands of homes, government buildings and businesses, forcing authorities to cut off electricity and water supplies.

In some city-center districts waters had receded slightly Saturday, but they were rising in outlying areas, media reports said. Several main roads leading to the city of 12 million people were blocked and the rail network was crippled.

Zaini, an official at the city's disaster relief center, said some 42,000 people had either fled their homes or been rescued by soldiers in dinghies. They are staying with family or in mosques, schools and government buildings on higher ground, he said.

Hendri, an official monitoring waters levels at sluice gates at major rivers, said that rains falling over hills to the south of Jakarta could result in more flooding.

"We must be on guard. The weather is still our enemy here," said Hendri, who along with Zaini goes by a single name. "Those who live in flood prone areas please seek refuge."

The country's meteorology forecast more rains Saturday and over the next two weeks.

Seasonal rains cause annual flooding in Indonesia, including Jakarta, but Friday's were the worst since 2002, when waters washed into the presidential palace and the lobby of a five-star hotel.

Some media reports said up to four people had been electrocuted, but officials were unable to confirm that.