Residents walk past buildings damaged by flash floods in Wasior, Papua province, Indonesia. -- PHOTO: AP
TELUK WONDAMA (Indonesia) - A navy warship arrived in a remote corner of eastern Indonesia carrying tents and medical supplies on Wednesday after flash floods and mudslides tore through mountainside villages, killing at least 75 people and leaving thousands homeless.
The disaster in West Papua province - triggered by days of torrential downpours - submerged hundreds of houses in thigh-high water and destroyed roads and bridges, hampering already difficult rescue efforts.
Worst hit was the village of Wasior, where a landslide early on Monday was followed minutes later by a river that burst its banks, sweeping away residents in a fast-moving deluge of water, heavy logs and debris.
'Many people didn't have time to save themselves,' stammered Ira Wanoni, adding that at least 30 homes were completely flattened.
The death toll continued to spiral even as rescue efforts picked up steam with the arrival of security forces, together with 13 tons of supplies, from tents and sleeping mats to instant noodles and clean water.
'We hope this is enough for now,' said Priyadi Kardono, a spokesman for the National Disaster Management Agency. -- AP
