Death toll after flash floods in Indonesia rises to 97

2010-10-07 08:56:36 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAKARTA (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll after flash floods in Indonesia's Papua region has risen to 97, officials said on Wednesday. At least 84 others were seriously injured and 66 remain missing.

Akit Pramona, from the Search and Rescue Office in West Papua, told Xinhua newswire service that more than 800 people suffered minor injuries.

Officials earlier said that 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.

"I express our deep sympathy over the destruction and loss of life caused by the flooding and landslides in eastern Indonesia, particularly in the province of West Papua," said U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "We send our heartfelt condolences to those affected by this tragedy."

According to officials, four ships have been deployed to the affected-areas, along with rescuers, medical personnel and volunteers.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-10-07

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