Death toll rises to 56 after flash floods in Papua, Indonesia

[News_Editor]

Death toll rises to 56 after flash floods in Papua, Indonesia

2010-10-05 21:08:55 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAYAPURA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll has risen to 56 in the Indonesian region of Papua after heavy rainfall since Sunday night spawned a series of flash floods in the area, officials said Tuesday.

Agung Laksono, Coordinating Minister of Public Wellfare, confirmed the death toll had risen to 56, adding that the National Disaster Agency mentioned that at least 62 people were wounded - of which several had to be evacuated by helicopter.

Up to 103 are still missing, according to the head of the Public Communication Center for the Health Ministry, Tritarayati, and thousands of buildings have been affected, including hundreds of flooded houses as heavy rainfall flushed the West Papua capital of Wasior, located in the Wondama Bay, carrying logs and rocks from the mountainous areas.

The flooding also damaged three engines at the local power plant, causing a lack of electricity in the area.

Indonesia's central government, through the National Disaster Management Agency, said it will be sending logistical assistance, emergency tents, gloves, and blankets. The assistance will be handed over to local authorities for immediate distribution, it added.

Residents are continuing to evacuate the region as rescue efforts include local residents digging up mud with their bare hands in search for survivors as national military forces and police officials work in the affected areas.

Laksono was unable to confirm the number of displaced people as evacuations itself has been a challenge because connecting roads from the capital have been cut off due to the damage.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-10-05