At least 263 people have died since massive floods and landslides swept through several regencies in Indonesia's South Sulawesi province Wednesday, reports said Saturday.
Sinjai regency was the worst hit by the disaster with death toll being confirmed at 248 as of Saturday, reported the national Antara news agency.
Marine officer Mardiono, spokesman for the joint rescue team in Sinjai, said three villages were still isolated and cannot be reached by rescuers, indicating that the death toll is very likely to rise.
Vice President Jusuf Kalla arrived in Sinjai earlier in the day to monitor distribution of relief supplies. He was accompanied by Social Minister Bachtiar Chamsyah, Transport Minister Hatta Radjasa and Coordinating Minister for People's Welfarer Aburizal Bakrie.
(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2006)
