More bodies found in Bali, bringing death toll to 27

JAKARTA (JP): Rescue workers in Gianyar, Bali, on Friday shoveled out 10 more bodies from beneath mounds of mud in landslide-stricken Pupuan hamlet, Timbul village, bringing to 27 the death toll from Thursday's disaster. Thirteen more people are missing and feared dead.

Gianyar Police Precinct Chief Lt. Col. Komaruddin told The Jakarta Post by telephone that the search for the landslide victims involved more than 200 rescue workers from the Mobile Brigade, the Udayana Military Command, local police and Gianyar administration.

"The 10 victims were identified as Singgah, Gamba, A.A. Bengko, Penjum, I. Kereg and A.A. Kintungan, I. Nyoman Arti, Renjem, Made Masuk and I. Jejer", he said.

The bodies were handed over to their families on Friday evening, he said.

On Thursday, 15 were found dead on the site and two others later died in hospital.

Komaruddin said the disaster occurred when around 50 villagers (not 100 as previously reported) were repairing an irrigation channel on a steep riverbank near Timbul village.

"At first a small chunk of the riverbank fell, but not on the workers... then an overhang collapsed and struck them. Many were buried in the landslide, though some could escape," he said.

Komaruddin said of the 15 bodies unearthed on Thursday, 14 were buried and one was cremated. The two who died of serious injuries in the hospital were also buried on Thursday evening.

Antara reported on Friday that among survivors currently being treated at the Gianyar General Hospital were Guru Raji, Wayan Lantur, Gusti Lenyuh, Wayan Muler, Wayan Lana, Gusti Wayan Gentongan, Made Lentong, Made Weska, Wayan Lodra, Gusti Ketut Tirtayasa, Gusti Ketut Arta and Ketut Parta, all Timbul villagers.

Anak Agung Wirayana, 40, who escaped along with 20 others, described how the disaster struck so quickly that many of the villagers were unable to save themselves.

"Many of them screamed for help but I could not do anything because it all happened so fast," Antara quoted him as saying. He said he was only able to save three fellow villagers.

Komaruddin said a team of rescue workers from the provincial government would continue to search until Sunday for the other 13 people believed to be still buried.

"We called off the search this (Friday) afternoon because of poor weather. We will continue (Saturday) morning," he said.

"It has rained almost every evening in Gianyar since early last week," he said.

Komaruddin said the search was slow because rescue workers were only equipped with hoes and shovels. The local authorities do not have access to heavy machinery such as tractors and cranes. (rms)