14 Oct 2010

Yudhoyono vows to rebuild flood-stricken West Papua township

1:50 pm on 14 October 2010

Indonesia's president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, says his administration will rebuild the West Papuan town of Wasior where about 150 people were killed in floods and mudslides.

About 700 people were injured and 100 are still missing after the disaster which has forced thousands of others to be put up in makeshift shelters in Manokwari.

Following claims of a poor state response, the president toured the disaster area accompanied by 13 government ministers.

The minister for people's welfare, Agung Laksono, has told the Jakarta Globe that the government will draft a blueprint for flood prevention and mitigation in Wasior as the area is prone to severe flooding.

The minister says this means plans to rebuild homes, community health centers, hospitals, roads, bridges and other facilities.