Death toll in Indonesian earthquake touches 832, search for survivors continues

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 01 Oct 2018

Jakarta: Rescuers continued to search for survivors in the Indonesian city of Palu which was badly hit by a 7.5 earthquake and a tsunami on Friday.

Rescuers continued to search beneath the rubble for survivors as the death toll in the incident has touched 832, officials said.

Officials feel that the death toll might rise.

I just opened my watsap grup and This Tsunami seen on Palu, Sulawesi. They recorded this in the top floor of the mall. Our friend's family confirmed this.. #PrayForDonggala Celebes Sulawesi Indonesia ? pic.twitter.com/vlTmDjCp3h
— WID (@wjjeje) September 28, 2018

Fearing spreading of disease, authorities said they might begin burying the victims in mass graves.

Several survivors are still believed to be trapped under debris.

"Communication is limited, heavy machinery is limited... it's not enough for the numbers of buildings that collapsed," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency was quoted as saying by BBC.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo visited the earthquake-hit areas on Sunday.

Puing-puing bangunan Perumnas Balaroa di Palu seusai gempa bumi yang mengguncang Sulawesi Tengah. Jalan-jalan terputus, bandara tak sepenuhnya bisa didarati, listrik baru hidup sebagian, dan pasokan BBM terhambat.

Saya berharap masyarakat sabar. Ini sedang kita tangani bersama. pic.twitter.com/05fCJZeWAa
— Joko Widodo (@jokowi) September 30, 2018

According to reports, blocked roads, a damaged airport, and broken telecommunications have made rescue operations tough in the earthquake-hit city.

Meanwhile, the US Department of State has condoled the loss of lives in the tragedy.

"The United States conveys its condolences and support to all of those in Indonesia affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Central Sulawesi on September 28. U.S. Mission Indonesia is closely monitoring the situation, and has not received reports of U.S. citizens affected. The United States and Indonesia are Strategic Partners and friends, and we stand ready to assist in the relief effort," read the statement.

Image: Joko Widodo Twitter page