Flash floods kill at least 73 in Indonesia’s Papua

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) – At least 73 people have died and more than 60 are missing in flash floods in Indonesia’s eastern province of Papua.

Rescue workers are struggling to reach remote parts of the province, and there are fears the number of dead may rise.

Roads have been blocked by landslides and fallen trees, and floodwaters have damaged two bridges and more than 100 houses.

More than 4,000 people have been forced from their homes, and some are sheltering in government offices.

Local residents said torrential rain began on Saturday evening and continued into the night, triggering mudslides and flash floods.