13 people killed in flash floods in Papua, Indonesia

13 people killed in flash floods in Papua, Indonesia

2011-04-01 22:53:27 GMT+7 (ICT)

PAPUA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) on Friday informed that thirteen people have been killed in the flash floods that affected Papua, Indonesia.

According to the Antara news agency, the latest flood took place on Thursday while the first struck the Indonesian province on March 17. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, BNPB head of information, said that the flash floods affected the Paniai regency.

The Agadide and Ekadide districts in Paniai were swept by the floods. Around 34,000 residents were evacuated to higher locations. Sutopo added that BNPB will work with the local government and take emergency response actions to deal with the disaster.

Indonesia's Vice President Boedino expressed his condolences to the families and friends of the flash floods victims. He remarked that the death toll may increase as the affected villages are hard to reach.

"Papua was struck by flash floods again, this time in Paniai. Thirteen died, and the location is hard to reach. Indonesia is prone to disasters, and thus governors and other senior regional officials need to remain alert and be prepared to anticipate such disasters," said VP Boedino.

The flooding was a result of overflowing swollen river and it reportedly reached between 1.5 and 2 meters in some areas. Authorities set several shelters where clothes and food were distributed.

Indonesia has suffered extreme weather conditions since February in various regions including West Sumatra and Bali. The harsh climate in the region are expected to last until April 2011.

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