Death toll from burst Indonesian dam climbs to 91

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Rescue officials say the number of people killed when a dam burst outside the Indonesian capital has climbed to 91. The toll is expected to keep climbing with more than 100 still missing. The tragedy occurred Friday when a large lake bordering a low-lying residential area southwest of Jakarta overflowed following a torrential downpour. Water first cascaded over the rim of the Dutch-colonial dam and then, hours later, a huge section of the earth wall tore away, sending muddy water crashing into homes like a tsunami, tossing cars, uprooting trees and dragging bodies for miles. National Disaster Coordinating Agency spokesman Priyadi Kardono said Sunday at least 91 died and that more than 100 were still missing. Search and rescue operations will continue for a week.