Flash floods in Indonesia have killed at least 58 people. According to authorities, dozens more were seriously injured in the disaster in the eastern province of Papua. A spokesman for civil protection said the number of victims could still increase.

The disaster occurred on Saturday in the mountain-surrounded town of Sentani near the provincial capital of Jayapura. Torrential rains have caused flash floods, washed over the houses and two bridges were damaged, said the authorities spokesman.

According to him, local authorities had previously been warned of flooding risks as a result of deforestation of the adjacent mountains.

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Heavy rains: floods in Indonesian province of Papua

Rescue teams are still trying to gain access to other disaster areas. The flood was reportedly back, but still people had to be brought to safety.

Floods are common in the Southeast Asian country, especially during the rainy season from October to April. In January, flooding and landslides on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi killed dozens of people.