Indonesia: Flooding and mudslides in Papua kill 50 March 16

Event

Officials reported the deaths of at least 50 people on Sunday, March 17, due to flash flooding and mudslides in Papua province. Heavy rains in the region caused deadly flooding and mudslides in Sentani (Jayapura regency), near the provincial capital of Jayapura on Saturday evening (local time), March 16, displacing an estimated 1500 people. A total of 350 homes were destroyed and around 100 other buildings, including churches and mosques, were severely damaged. Infrastructure damage and road closures and also likely in the region.

Context

Indonesia experiences its rainy season from October through April.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas, and Papau and West Papua more generally, are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, including road closures and damaged infrastructure, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult.