Rescue and relief efforts in response to the flash flooding in Indonesia’s West Papua province are largely being deployed by sea because of crippled transport links.
Media reports from Indonesia put the death toll from flooding caused by torrential rain in the region as high as 110.
This figure is expected to rise as disaster officials indicate that hundreds more are missing.
The town of Wasior is reported to be the worst hit area, with many buildings submerged under mud and debris as a result of the massive waves which hit the Teluk Wondama district on Monday.
The National Disaster Management Agency has reportedly sent hundreds of tents, emergency bedding, as well as hundreds of clothing and food packages to the area.
The Ministry of Health has sent some 2,500 kilograms of drugs to various disaster sites.
A spokesperson for the Disaster Agency, Priyadi Kardono, says the response to this disaster is severely restricted because air and land links to the region remain badly hampered.
He says passenger ships are being utilised in conjunction with Navy vessels to bring in relief and take the injured to medical centres.
“Some have already evacuated to Manokwari, which is about eight hours by ship. The infrastructure is broken also. There is no telephone, no electricity, and it is difficult to find water, clean water.”
Meanwhile, the government has decided to impose an emergency response period for 14 days in order to concentrate efforts to rescue flood victims.