“The bodies have all been identified and the search for those reported as still missing is ongoing,” Manokwari Military Command chief Lt. Col. Edward Sitorus said over the phone.

He was leading the search and rescue mission to find survivors at the disaster area in Wasior, Teluk Wondama regency.

The death toll from Tuesday’s floods had reached 75 as of Wednesday evening.

Hundreds of homes were also damaged when a river burst its banks, sweeping away residents in a fast-moving wall of sludge, rocks and heavy logs.

“Many people did not have time to save themselves,” Ira Wonani was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

Clear weather on Wednesday enabled the rescue team, comprising military, police, and the Indonesian Red Cross and local residents to continue the search.

Four bodies were recovered from the debris on Wednesday, bringing the total number of victims to 75, while scores of survivors were transported to nearby Nabire for treatment and shelter.

According to Edward, Wasior was devastated by the disaster. “It is badly damaged and perhaps only 10 percent of the buildings remain,” he said.

Residents who had lost their homes and belongings opted to leave Wasior.

“Three ships carrying evacuees have departed from Wasior to Nabire and Manokwari. Some 500 evacuees are heading to Manokwari and will be accommodated temporarily at the Manokwari Military Command,” Edward said.

The number of injured victims being treated at Nabire General Hospital had reached 100. Hospital director Frans Saroy said three injured people had died on route to Nabire.

“The journey from Wasior to Nabire took around an hour by helicopter. Most of the victims had broken bones,” he added.

Tents were erected inside the hospital compound to accommodate the patients and more surgeons and medical assistance was brought in from Jayapura.

“We don’t know how many more victims will be evacuated from Wasior because rescuers are still searching for victims,” Frans said.

Injured victims were also taken to Manokwari General Hospital.

Commenting on the condition of the survivors, Edward said they were in dire need of food, clean water and clothing, and that in the long term they would need assistance to rebuild their damaged homes.

In Timika, Mimika Regent Klemen Tinal urged residents to donate money for the relief effort.

The government was reported to have allocated Rp 2 billion on equipment and supplies for the relief
effort.

“The supplies are expected to arrive at the disaster site on Thursday,” Coordinating Public Welfare Minister Agung Laksono said.

— Markus Makur contributed to the report from Mimika.

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