Flooding in Indonesian capital Jakarta and its surrounding areas has killed at least 20 people and forced about 200,000 flee their homes as overflowing rivers sent muddy water into homes and shops, local police spokesman said Sunday.

A total of 20 people were killed after they were carried away by water flows, affected by electricity shortcut, and hit by damage properties, Jakarta police spokesman Untung Yoga Ana told Xinhua by telephone.

Meanwhile, Rustam Pakaya, from the health ministry's crisis center, said the flooding in the Greater Jakarta have made about 200,000 people homeless.

On Sunday, the flooding began inundating areas near presidential office, after Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso ordered the opening of water sluice heading to the areas because West Flood Canal could no longer accommodate runoffs from Ciliwung river.

Water inundation is seen on streets in Central Jakarta near Istiqlal Mosque, Kwitang areas, and Gambir railway station, as well as Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Jl. Antara, Jl. Pasar Baru, Jl.Pos and Jl. Kesenian.

Runoffs from Ciliwung river, which flows water from upper areas,were split into two: old Ciliwung river, heading to Jakarta downtown, and West Flood Canal, heading to western part of the city, Metro TV reported.

The governor opened the sluice after he asked for permission from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and he declared the highest alert status of the natural disaster as the flood was continuously worsening.

(Xinhua News Agency February 5, 2007)