|
Bali: 'We assume the worst'
17/10/2002 22:39 - (SA)
Thinus Ferreira, Die Burger
Cape Town - No solace will come from Bali, said Debe Nurgaya, Indonesian government spokesperson in Bali, and deputy home affairs minister Aziz Pahad, now that hope is fading the more than 500 missing from more than 12 countries will be found alive.
About 200 people died and more than 300 were injured in Saturday's two bomb explosions that shook the tropical island paradise.
Nurgaya told Die Burger on Thursday that relatives had to prepare themselves. "It will be like September 11 (2001) - for many there will be no closure, as there will be nothing to take home. Several victims were totally ripped apart or burnt beyond recognition. The number of missing and dead can still rise," he said.
Nurgaya said the Balinese were suffering from bomb shock. "No one can fathom this senseless act. Clean-up work has started, but investigating officers are still combing the ruined Kuta district.
"Bali's tourism has been paralysed. There is almost no one left. Bali is safe, but no one will come here now."
Pahad said it was now assumed that "the worst has happened".
The department of foreign affairs changed its focus on Thursday and will now rather search for the missing among the dead.
The department asked the families of the missing to provide personal items such as hair- or toothbrushes which could help with DNA identification.
Spokesperson Nomfanelo Kota said complete identikits with photos of missing South Africans were being compiled and would be sent to the crisis centre in Bali.
About 5 200 people are leaving Bali daily. More than 80% of the island's income is generated through the tourism industry.
- Die Burger
|
News
