Papua is set to hold mass burials for victims of disastrous flash floods which have plagued the easternmost province of Indonesia. According to the disaster mitigation agency, the death toll had risen to 104 by 20th March. Nearly 10,000 people are known to be displaced. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman from the agency, estimated that flooding and landslides have injured 160 people. 85 people have been found to be severely injured, whilst 79 are still thought to be missing.
Floods and landslides struck Jayapura, the capital of the province of Papua, after heavy rain fell across the Cyclops mountain range. Much of the rainwater has ripped up trees in area, which then triggered a landslide. Authorities have also warned residents about the dangers of the floods due to deforestation. Excavators have been deployed by the government to clear blocked roads and temporary bridges are currently being built to ease the evacuation process. The 10,000 displaced people are still scattered across 18 relief shelters. Families of the victims, along with churches, have decided to hold a mass funeral for the victims today, March 21, 2019.
See: Papuan Villagers Flee to the Forest to Hide from Fighting
Source: Channel News Asia
Image: Radio NZ
