THE number of fatalities from the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia has continued to rise, surpassing 1300 people, according to Indonesia鈥檚 disaster agency. A further 50,000 people have been displaced.
Most of the dead were from the city of Palu (pictured), but it has been hard to assess the toll in other coastal areas, due to impassable roads, downed power lines and phone outages.
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The 7.5-magnitude quake struck on 28 September, creating a tsunami that swept waves that reached heights of up to 6 metres ashore. Many buildings collapsed. Rescuers were still working to free survivors.
鈥淭he death toll is believed to be still increasing since many bodies were still under the wreckage. Many have not been reached,鈥� said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho of the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management.
鈥淭here are many challenges,鈥� said Indonesian president Joko Widodo. 鈥淲e have to do many things soon, but conditions do not allow us to do so.鈥�
This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淒eath toll rising after huge tsunami鈥�