11 Oct 2010

Nearly 150 confirmed dead, dozens still missing after Papua floods

4:23 pm on 11 October 2010

The International Federation of the Red Cross in Indonesia says the death toll from the heavy floods in the town of Wasior in West Papua province is nearing 150 and more than 100 are still missing.

The Head of the Indonesian delegation of the International Federation of the Red Cross, Philip Charlesworth, says about 4,500 people have now been evacuated and more might follow due to a serious lack of facilities.

Mr Charlesworth says the immediate needs of the people are for clean water, shelter, an ongoing food supply and medical care.

"The fate of the operation is taking on a different perspective and focussing more now on recovery, continuation of emergency response and focussing on the needs of those who remain, rather than those that are lost."

The Head of the Indonesian delegation of the International Federation of the Red Cross, Philip Charlesworth.