Death toll rises to 29 in Papua, Indonesia after flash floods

[News_Editor]

Death toll rises to 29 in Papua, Indonesia after flash floods

2010-10-05 19:10:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAYAPURA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll has risen to 29 in the Indonesian region of Papua after heavy rainfall since Sunday night spawned a series of flash floods in the area, officials said Tuesday.

At least 60 people were wounded - of which several had to be evacuated by helicopter - up to 103 are still missing, 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 head of the Public Communication Center for the Health Ministry confirmed in a written statement of the number of missing people.

Meanwhile, the head of the local Disaster Management Agency told reporters that the area is in desperate need f shelters and medicine to treat the affected.

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

Evacuation itself has been a challenge because connecting roads from the capital have been cut off due to the damage.

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