Thousands evacuated over floods in Jakarta

JAKARTA, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Thousands of residents of Jakarta have been evacuated to emergency shelters as floodwaters rose as high as 10 feet, officials said.

Antara News said at least 3,456 people have left the city and 14 emergency shelters have been set up. Rescue officials said they are giving the evacuees food, blankets and medicine.

Floodwaters were a foot to 10 feet deep, Antara News reported. Officials said the worst hit area was the Kampung Pulo.

Antara News said flooding is an annual problem for the city during the rainy season.