Indonesia mudslides claim 56 victims
Source: Agencies |
October 6, 2010, Wednesday
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Print Edition
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HEAVY rain unleashed flash floods and mudslides, killing at least 56 people in a remote corner of Indonesia that rescuers were struggling to reach, officials and witnesses said yesterday.
With dozens still missing, residents in West Papua province's hillside village of Wasior were combing the mud, some with their bare hands, in search of survivors. Hundreds of houses were destroyed - at least 30 of them completely flattened.
"I heard a roar and suddenly the river broke its banks," said Ira Wanoni, describing the deluge, which occurred early Monday. "Water mixed with rocks, mud and logs gushed out. Many people didn't have time to save themselves."
With roads underwater and several bridges destroyed, rescue workers were having a hard time reaching the area, which has also been hit by power blackouts and downed telephone lines.
Navy ships were on their way to the scene, and aircraft loaded with tents, medical supplies and food were being sent to the area.
More than 60 people were injured, most with broken bones, and some had to be evacuated to by helicopter.
Landslides and flooding kill dozens of people every year in the vast tropical archipelago of Indonesia, which has more than 17,000 islands.
With dozens still missing, residents in West Papua province's hillside village of Wasior were combing the mud, some with their bare hands, in search of survivors. Hundreds of houses were destroyed - at least 30 of them completely flattened.
"I heard a roar and suddenly the river broke its banks," said Ira Wanoni, describing the deluge, which occurred early Monday. "Water mixed with rocks, mud and logs gushed out. Many people didn't have time to save themselves."
With roads underwater and several bridges destroyed, rescue workers were having a hard time reaching the area, which has also been hit by power blackouts and downed telephone lines.
Navy ships were on their way to the scene, and aircraft loaded with tents, medical supplies and food were being sent to the area.
More than 60 people were injured, most with broken bones, and some had to be evacuated to by helicopter.
Landslides and flooding kill dozens of people every year in the vast tropical archipelago of Indonesia, which has more than 17,000 islands.
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