Jakarta oh Jakarta

The New Year came and went with barely a hiccup, when this happens.

It hasn't been a month into the new year, Jakarta has seen its worst flood yet.
Living in the northern part of this beautiful city, it is very sad to see people having to evacuate from their homes because the flood has reached the rooftops.  It has been 5 days now and the water hasn't receded and it is a frightening experience to live with the uncertainty of getting back to normal life. 

Being new in town, I am told that this 'banjir langganan' is expected every 5 years.  People who have gone through the same ordeal in 2007, already know what to do.  When the rain pours, stock up on food and gallons of aqua. 

Schmucks like me, on the other hand, who prefer to stock up food only for a week's worth because our fridge cannot hold more than that, have to scour around the area in search of water.  Although our area is in no danger of being flooded, the fact remains that aqua water is hard to find.   

Jakarta oh Jakarta... I hope this will not happen again in 5 years (as expected!!)