Jayapura, Jubi – Flash floods hit the Mile Point 74 concentrate processing plant of PT Freeport Indonesia in Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province on Saturday, February 11, 2023. The heavy rain on Saturday hit various materials in the area resulting in flash floods.
“Heavy rainfall in the Tembagapura area has caused water to flow heavily in West Gully, Mile Point 74 concentrate processing plant area,” Freeport Indonesia VP corporate communications Katri Krisnati said in a written statement received by Jubi on Saturday night.
During the flash flood, two miners named JM and NK were carried away. The Mimika Police found JM first in the Wini area (Mile 69), while NK was found around Mile 74. Both of them were found dead.
“The bodies found last night have been buried. While the other is planned to be buried in Timika and is currently still in Tembagapura Hospital,” said Mimika Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. I Gede Putra according to Papua Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo on Sunday.
According to Benny, Tembagapura had been cleaned up and the level of damage was not too severe. “The situation in Tembagapura is relatively safe and conducive and community activities have been running as usual,” he said.
Meanwhile, Freeport’s Underground Mine Rescue (UGMR) team successfully evacuated 14 employees trapped by flash floods in the OB1 Building and the Amole Stockpile. This was conveyed by Katri Krisnati through a short message received by Jubi on Sunday. (*)
