Indonesian flood death toll hits 148 as search enters third week

JAKARTA (AFP) Nov 16, 2003
Search efforts entered a third week on Sunday to find more bodies from an Indonesian flood disaster that has already left at least 148 dead, an official said Sunday.

"The search is not being halted but we did take a rest yesterday and this morning (Sunday) we are back at work," said Maharum, a search and rescue official in Bahorok, a popular riverside resort in North Sumatra.

Maharum said that a total of 148 bodies have been found so far but added that three other finds were yet unconfirmed.

"Around 100 people are still reported missing," Maharum said by telephone from Bahorok.

The flash flood on November 2 swept through Bahorok on the edge of Mount Leuser National Park in North Sumatra, destroying more than 450 buildings.

Senior officials, including Vice President Hamzah Haz and Environment Minister Nabiel Makarim, have said rampant illegal logging in the national park was partly to blame for the disaster.

TERRA.WIRE