Death toll rises sharply after Jakarta monsoon floods

Heavy monsoon rains, exacerbated by a dike rupture near a crowded business district of Jakarta, have caused severe flooding around the Indonesian capital.

At least a dozen people are dead and thousands displaced following some of the worst monsoonal flooding in five years.

It is estimated that about 20,000 people have had to evacuate their homes as water levels have risen sharply, said the Guardian.

Weather officials have warned that rains could worsen in the next few days, further escalating the crisis.

On Thursday, the Indonesian government declared a state of emergency.

“The warning level will remain elevated until conditions improve in Jakarta,” said Minister for People’s Welfare Agung Laksono, according to the Jakarta Post.

“Current weather reports say the bad weather is going to stay for the next few days. We need to keep our eyes open."

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The Jakarta stock exchange remained open, but trading was lightly. The airport also remained open, though roads to the airport were reportedly inundated with floodwater.

Many government offices and businesses were forced to close because so many employees could not get to work.

Floods did not spare the presidential palace, either. BBC reported that Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was spotted walking the grounds with his pants rolled up.