Stranded office workers are pulled to safety in the Indonesian capital.<br/> <br />Severe flooding has crippled parts of Jakarta, as seasonal rains bring some of the heaviest downpours for five years.<br/> <br />An estimated 12 inches (100 mm) of rain fell overnight on Wednesday (January 16), turning roads into fast-flowing rivers.<br/> <br />With traffic paralysed in the city centre, many locals were left stranded.<br/> <br />While some schoolchildren braved the deluge, a number of government offices and businesses were forced shut as staff struggled to get to work.<br/> <br />Public transport was also brought to a standstill.<br/> <br />Local media say thousands of people in and around Jakarta have been forced to leave their homes due to the heavy rain.<br/> <br />Forecasters warn that the wet weather could become more severe over the next few days.
