Rain caused panic at Jakarta airport as it broke through an airport roof. Travelers caused pandemonium as they scrambled to seek safe areas to shelter.
Yesterday afternoon, heavy rains interrupted flights at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in the Indonesian capital. The rains fell abruptly with no warning signs.
Travelers at the airport panicked as a section of the ceiling caved in following the heavy downpour. Generally, the heavy rains mainly affected Jakarta airport’s Terminal 3.
Observers reported witnessing water leaking from the roof just above Gate 7, then pouring inside in torrents. Soon after, the panels began to give way. All that mayhem occurred a little before 2pm.
Passengers panicked when the airport roof fell and water flooded the floor. Understandably, they began running around seeking some way to escape the site.
Observers reckon the airport roof was already weak, the structure having become weak gradually. Apparently that was the reason the roof began to permeate rain water. The water that presumably accumulated on the ceiling became too heavy for it at some point. Hence the collapse.
The Rain Caused Panic because it was Unexpected
Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, has recently been experiencing heavy rains, which is unusual in this season. While it is not unusual to rain heavily in Jakarta, it normally falls between January to March. However, this time, it has been raining even in April.
The meteorological department issued warnings for people to expect heavy rains throughout the first part of April. So far, there has been flooding in the western and southern parts of the city.
However, the situation is not as concerning as that of Katharine in Australia. There, recent rains had rivers flooded and crocodiles roaming the streets.
CGK Airport is Operational
Fortunately, in Jakarta, the unfortunate roof incident did not disrupt travel f_or too long. Soon the airport mess was cleared and flights at the CGK airport resumed. After all, Terminal 3 is just one among a number of international terminals CGK airport has.
The way forward after rains caused panic
Although CGK airport is operational, passengers are advised to call their airlines first before proceeding to the airport. This is because there may be some changes in flight scheduling owing to factors other than the broken roof.
Yesterday’s incident caused temporary flight disruptions. The airport diverted 12 aircrafts to other airports. Meanwhile, it forced 13 of them to do some rounds before clearing them for landing at the CGK.
Despite those inconveniences, the runways and taxiways at the airport are reported to be fine and safe for use.