Rescue operations were hampered in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-president-joko-widodo-visits-worst-hit-areas-earthquake-and-tsunami-168657">earthquake-hit Sulawesi island in Indonesia</a> as several hundred were still feared trapped in rubble after a massive 7.5 magnitude earthquake followed by tsunami devasted homes and families on Friday night.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/factbox-earthquakes-and-tsunamis-indonesia-168479">Factbox: Earthquakes and tsunamis in Indonesia</a>

The confirmed death toll stands at 844, rescue operators said even as medical team and disaster teams continued to reach areas hit by the massive tsunami with&nbsp;a 14-day state of emergency already announced.

The United Nations estimates that at least 191,000 people need urgent help after the earthquake.

Dozens of people were reported to be trapped in the debris of several hotels and a mall in Palu, near Jakarta. Reports said communications is still cut off in Donggala in Sulawesi which is close to the epicentre where rescuers still haven't reached. The island is home to at least 300,000 people. Sulawesi is known to be an earthquake-prone area.

Most of the deaths have&nbsp;been reported in Palu. Authorities fear the&nbsp;toll may&nbsp;rise&nbsp;further.

The disaster agency said more heavy equipment and personnel were needed to recover bodies. The earthquake has displaced at least 48,000 people, reports said with rescuers still unable to reach remote areas affected by the quake.

President Joko Widodo has requested for international help due to the scale of the disaster. The president said the government will ensure improvement to damaged facilities, heavy equipment delivery, fuel supply and better communication.

"This is indeed an emergency situation, same as in Lombok, there will be stages, moments, one or two days it will feel tough, really tough here. The road to the location is mostly cut off, even the airport is not running functionally," the president said.

Indonesia which is situated in the area called the "Ring of Fire" prone to earthquake. The 2004 tsunami was triggered in Indonesia which killed at least 220,00 people.

 
&nbsp;

Rescue operations were hampered in earthquake-hit Sulawesi island in Indonesia as several hundred were still feared trapped in rubble after a massive 7.5 magnitude earthquake followed by tsunami devasted homes and families on Friday night.

Rescue operations were hampered in earthquake-hit Sulawesi island in Indonesia as several hundred were still feared trapped in rubble after a massive 7.5 magnitude earthquake followed by tsunami devasted homes and families on Friday night. Factbox: Earthquakes and tsunamis in Indonesia The confirmed death toll stands at 844, rescue operators said even as medical team and disaster teams continued to reach areas hit by the massive tsunami with a 14-day state of emergency already announced. The United Nations estimates that at least 191,000 people need urgent help after the earthquake. Dozens of people were reported to be trapped in the debris of several hotels and a mall in Palu, near Jakarta. Reports said communications is still cut off in Donggala in Sulawesi which is close to the epicentre where rescuers still haven't reached. The island is home to at least 300,000 people. Sulawesi is known to be an earthquake-prone area. Most of the deaths have been reported in Palu. Authorities fear the toll may rise further. The disaster agency said more heavy equipment and personnel were needed to recover bodies. The earthquake has displaced at least 48,000 people, reports said with rescuers still unable to reach remote areas affected by the quake. President Joko Widodo has requested for international help due to the scale of the disaster. The president said the government will ensure improvement to damaged facilities, heavy equipment delivery, fuel supply and better communication. "This is indeed an emergency situation, same as in Lombok, there will be stages, moments, one or two days it will feel tough, really tough here. The road to the location is mostly cut off, even the airport is not running functionally," the president said. Indonesia which is situated in the area called the "Ring of Fire" prone to earthquake. The 2004 tsunami was triggered in Indonesia which killed at least 220,00 people.

Indonesia tsunami death toll rises as rescue operators scramble to reach quake-hit areas

At least 384 people have been killed by a powerful earthquake and tsunami that hit the Indonesian city of Palu on Friday, officials said, with the death toll expected to rise.

With communications knocked out, relief officials have not been able to get any information from Donggala regency, an area north of Palu that is closer to the epicentre of the 7.5 magnitude quake.

In Palu, more than 16,000 people were evacuated after the disaster struck.

Here are some key facts about Palu and Donggala, on the island of Sulawesi:

- Palu is the capital of Central Sulawesi province, located at the end of a narrow bay on the west coast of Sulawesi island, with an estimated population of 379,800 in 2017. The city was celebrating its 40th anniversary when the quake and tsunami hit.

- Donggala is a regency stretching along more than 300 km (180 miles) of coastline in the northwest of Sulawesi island. The regency, an administrative region below a province, had an estimated population of 299,200 in 2017.

- Fishing and farming are the mainstays of the Central Sulawesi province`s economy, especially the coastal region of Donggala. Nickel mining is also important in the province, but is mostly concentrated in Morowali, on the opposite coast of Sulawesi.

- Palu and Donggala have been hit by tsunamis several times in the past 100 years, according to Indonesia`s Disaster Mitigation Agency. In 1938, a tsunami killed more than 200 people and destroyed hundreds of houses in Donggala. A tsunami also struck western Donggala in 1996, killing nine.&nbsp;

Indonesia sits on the seismically Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly hit by earthquakes. Here are some of the major quakes and tsunamis in recent years: 
- 2004: A major quake on the western coast of Indonesia`s Aceh province in northern Sumatra on December 26 triggered a tsunami that struck 14 countries, killing 226,000 people along Indian Ocean coastline, more than half of them in Aceh.

- 2005: A series of strong quakes hit the western coast of Sumatra in late March and early April. Hundreds died in Nias Island, off the coast of Sumatra.

- 2006: A 6.8 magnitude hit south of Java, Indonesia`s most populated island, triggering a tsunami that smashed into the southern coast, killing nearly 700 people.&nbsp;

- 2009: A 7.6 magnitude quake struck near the city of Padang, capital of West Sumatra province. More than 1,100 people were killed.

- 2010: A 7.5 magnitude quake hit one of the Mentawai islands, off Sumatra, triggering up tsunami of up to 10 metres that destroyed dozens of villages and killed around 300 people.&nbsp;

- 2016: A shallow quake hit the Pidie Jaya regency in Aceh, causing destruction and panic as people were reminded by the devastation of the deadly 2004 quake and tsunami. No tsunami was triggered this time, but more than 100 were killed by fallen buildings.

- 2018: Major quakes hit Indonesia`s tourist island of Lombok, killing more than 500 people, mostly on the northern side of the island. The quake destroyed thousands of buildings and left thousands of tourists temporarily stranded.

At least 384 people have been killed by a powerful earthquake and tsunami that hit the Indonesian city of Palu on Friday, officials said, with the death toll expected to rise.

At least 384 people have been killed by a powerful earthquake and tsunami that hit the Indonesian city of Palu on Friday, officials said, with the death toll expected to rise. With communications knocked out, relief officials have not been able to get any information from Donggala regency, an area north of Palu that is closer to the epicentre of the 7.5 magnitude quake. In Palu, more than 16,000 people were evacuated after the disaster struck. Here are some key facts about Palu and Donggala, on the island of Sulawesi: - Palu is the capital of Central Sulawesi province, located at the end of a narrow bay on the west coast of Sulawesi island, with an estimated population of 379,800 in 2017. The city was celebrating its 40th anniversary when the quake and tsunami hit. - Donggala is a regency stretching along more than 300 km (180 miles) of coastline in the northwest of Sulawesi island. The regency, an administrative region below a province, had an estimated population of 299,200 in 2017. - Fishing and farming are the mainstays of the Central Sulawesi province`s economy, especially the coastal region of Donggala. Nickel mining is also important in the province, but is mostly concentrated in Morowali, on the opposite coast of Sulawesi. - Palu and Donggala have been hit by tsunamis several times in the past 100 years, according to Indonesia`s Disaster Mitigation Agency. In 1938, a tsunami killed more than 200 people and destroyed hundreds of houses in Donggala. A tsunami also struck western Donggala in 1996, killing nine. Indonesia sits on the seismically Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly hit by earthquakes. Here are some of the major quakes and tsunamis in recent years: - 2004: A major quake on the western coast of Indonesia`s Aceh province in northern Sumatra on December 26 triggered a tsunami that struck 14 countries, killing 226,000 people along Indian Ocean coastline, more than half of them in Aceh. - 2005: A series of strong quakes hit the western coast of Sumatra in late March and early April. Hundreds died in Nias Island, off the coast of Sumatra. - 2006: A 6.8 magnitude hit south of Java, Indonesia`s most populated island, triggering a tsunami that smashed into the southern coast, killing nearly 700 people. - 2009: A 7.6 magnitude quake struck near the city of Padang, capital of West Sumatra province. More than 1,100 people were killed. - 2010: A 7.5 magnitude quake hit one of the Mentawai islands, off Sumatra, triggering up tsunami of up to 10 metres that destroyed dozens of villages and killed around 300 people. - 2016: A shallow quake hit the Pidie Jaya regency in Aceh, causing destruction and panic as people were reminded by the devastation of the deadly 2004 quake and tsunami. No tsunami was triggered this time, but more than 100 were killed by fallen buildings. - 2018: Major quakes hit Indonesia`s tourist island of Lombok, killing more than 500 people, mostly on the northern side of the island. The quake destroyed thousands of buildings and left thousands of tourists temporarily stranded.

Factbox: Earthquakes and tsunamis in Indonesia

The death toll from a powerful earthquake and tsunami on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has reached 420, state media said Sunday, as rescuers scrambled to reach the stricken region and survivors helped to retrieve the remains of those killed.

The official Antara agency quoted the head of the national disaster agency giving the latest toll in the coastal city of Palu, while authorities warned casualties were "increasing" as news arrived from remote areas cut off by the 7.5-magnitude earthquake and 1.5-metre (five feet) high tsunami.

At least 540 people had been badly injured, an agency spokesman said, as hospitals struggled to cope with the influx of casualties.

Indonesian president Joko Widodo said the military was being called into the region to help search-and-rescue teams get to victims and find bodies.

Some government planes carrying relief supplies managed to land at the main airport in Palu, although officials said it would likely remain closed to commercial flights for days.

There were concerns over the whereabouts of hundreds of people preparing for a beach festival that had been due to start Friday, the disaster agency said.

In Palu -- home to 350,000 people -- partially covered bodies lay near the shore after waves hit the coast Friday.

Survivors sifted through a tangled mess of corrugated steel roofing, timber, rubble and flotsam up to 50 metres inland.

One man was seen carrying the muddy corpse of a small child.

Many did not return to their homes as night fell and slept in makeshift shelters, terrified that powerful aftershocks could topple damaged homes.

Hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of those injured, with many people being treated in the open air.

The tsunami was triggered by a strong quake that brought down buildings and sent locals fleeing for higher ground as a churning wall of water crashed into Palu, where there were widespread power blackouts.

"We all panicked and ran out of the house" when the quake hit, said Anser Bachmid, a 39-year-old Palu resident.

"People here need aid -- food, drink, clean water."

'I just ran'

Dramatic video footage captured from the top floor of a parking ramp in Palu, nearly 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the quake's epicentre, showed waves bring down several buildings and inundate a large mosque.

"I just ran when I saw the waves hitting homes on the coastline," said Palu resident Rusidanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

About 17,000 people had been evacuated, the disaster agency said.

"This was a terrifying double disaster," said Jan Gelfand, a Jakarta-based official at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

"The Indonesian Red Cross is racing to help survivors but we don't know what they'll find there."

The massive tremors were felt hundreds of kilometres away and there has been a little word about casualties in Donggala, a region north of Palu where at least one person was reported dead in Friday's quakes.

"We have heard nothing from Donggala and this is extremely worrying," Gelfand said.

"There are more than 300,000 people living there. This is already a tragedy, but it could get much worse."

Pictures supplied by the disaster agency showed a badly damaged shopping mall in Palu where at least one floor had caved in.

Video footage showed a double-arched yellow bridge had collapsed with its two metal arches twisted as cars bobbed in the water below.

An AFP reporter on the scene saw widespread damage some 50 metres inland.

A key access road had been badly damaged and was partially blocked by landslides, the disaster agency said.

Neighbouring Malaysia has offered to send help to Sulawesi, a government spokesman there told AFP, adding Malaysia "was waiting for Indonesia's reply."

Evening prayers

Friday's tremor was also felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on neighbouring Kalimantan, Indonesia's portion of Borneo island.

The initial quake struck as evening prayers were about to begin in the world's biggest Muslim majority country on the holiest day of the week when mosques are especially busy.

Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth.

It lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

Earlier this year, a series of powerful quakes hit Lombok, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighbouring Sumbawa.

Indonesia has been hit by a string of other deadly quakes including a devastating 9.1 magnitude tremor that struck off the coast of Sumatra in December 2004.

That Boxing Day quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake and tsunami on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has reached 420, state media said Sunday, as rescuers scrambled to reach the stricken region and survivors helped to retrieve the remains of those killed.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake and tsunami on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has reached 420, state media said Sunday, as rescuers scrambled to reach the stricken region and survivors helped to retrieve the remains of those killed. The official Antara agency quoted the head of the national disaster agency giving the latest toll in the coastal city of Palu, while authorities warned casualties were "increasing" as news arrived from remote areas cut off by the 7.5-magnitude earthquake and 1.5-metre (five feet) high tsunami. At least 540 people had been badly injured, an agency spokesman said, as hospitals struggled to cope with the influx of casualties. Indonesian president Joko Widodo said the military was being called into the region to help search-and-rescue teams get to victims and find bodies. Some government planes carrying relief supplies managed to land at the main airport in Palu, although officials said it would likely remain closed to commercial flights for days. There were concerns over the whereabouts of hundreds of people preparing for a beach festival that had been due to start Friday, the disaster agency said. In Palu -- home to 350,000 people -- partially covered bodies lay near the shore after waves hit the coast Friday. Survivors sifted through a tangled mess of corrugated steel roofing, timber, rubble and flotsam up to 50 metres inland. One man was seen carrying the muddy corpse of a small child. Many did not return to their homes as night fell and slept in makeshift shelters, terrified that powerful aftershocks could topple damaged homes. Hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of those injured, with many people being treated in the open air. The tsunami was triggered by a strong quake that brought down buildings and sent locals fleeing for higher ground as a churning wall of water crashed into Palu, where there were widespread power blackouts. "We all panicked and ran out of the house" when the quake hit, said Anser Bachmid, a 39-year-old Palu resident. "People here need aid -- food, drink, clean water." 'I just ran' Dramatic video footage captured from the top floor of a parking ramp in Palu, nearly 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the quake's epicentre, showed waves bring down several buildings and inundate a large mosque. "I just ran when I saw the waves hitting homes on the coastline," said Palu resident Rusidanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. About 17,000 people had been evacuated, the disaster agency said. "This was a terrifying double disaster," said Jan Gelfand, a Jakarta-based official at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. "The Indonesian Red Cross is racing to help survivors but we don't know what they'll find there." The massive tremors were felt hundreds of kilometres away and there has been a little word about casualties in Donggala, a region north of Palu where at least one person was reported dead in Friday's quakes. "We have heard nothing from Donggala and this is extremely worrying," Gelfand said. "There are more than 300,000 people living there. This is already a tragedy, but it could get much worse." Pictures supplied by the disaster agency showed a badly damaged shopping mall in Palu where at least one floor had caved in. Video footage showed a double-arched yellow bridge had collapsed with its two metal arches twisted as cars bobbed in the water below. An AFP reporter on the scene saw widespread damage some 50 metres inland. A key access road had been badly damaged and was partially blocked by landslides, the disaster agency said. Neighbouring Malaysia has offered to send help to Sulawesi, a government spokesman there told AFP, adding Malaysia "was waiting for Indonesia's reply." Evening prayers Friday's tremor was also felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on neighbouring Kalimantan, Indonesia's portion of Borneo island. The initial quake struck as evening prayers were about to begin in the world's biggest Muslim majority country on the holiest day of the week when mosques are especially busy. Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth. It lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. Earlier this year, a series of powerful quakes hit Lombok, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighbouring Sumbawa. Indonesia has been hit by a string of other deadly quakes including a devastating 9.1 magnitude tremor that struck off the coast of Sumatra in December 2004. That Boxing Day quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.

Death toll in Indonesia quake-tsunami reaches 420: State media

The death toll from a powerful earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia leapt to 832 Sunday, as stunned people on the stricken island of Sulawesi struggled to find food and water and looting spread.

The new toll announced by the national disaster agency was almost double the previous figure. Indonesian vice-president Jusuf Kalla said the final number of dead could be in the “thousands.”

“It feels very tense,” said 35-year-old mother Risa Kusuma, comforting her feverish baby boy at an evacuation centre in the gutted coastal city of Palu. “Every minute an ambulance brings in bodies. Clean water is scarce. The minimarkets are looted everywhere.”

Indonesia’s Metro TV on Sunday broadcast footage from a coastal community in Donggala, close to the epicentre of the quake, where some waterfront homes appeared crushed but a resident said most people fled to higher ground after the quake struck.

“When it shook really hard, we all ran up into the hills,” a man identified as Iswan told Metro TV.

In Palu city on Sunday aid was trickling in, the Indonesian military had been deployed and search-and-rescue workers were doggedly combing the rubble for survivors -- looking for as many as 150 people at one upscale hotel alone.
<img alt="indonesia" data-caption="Indonesian soldiers load emergency supplies into a Hercules military plane before heading to Palu at Halim Perdanakusuma military base in Jakarta. (Reuters Photo)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c0146061-78b1-4200-9956-1d3ab355068f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Army.JPG" />
&nbsp;

“We managed to pull out a woman alive from the Hotel Roa-Roa last night,” Muhammad Syaugi, head of the national search and rescue agency, told AFP. “We even heard people calling for help there yesterday.”

“What we now desperately need is heavy machinery to clear the rubble. I have my staff on the ground, but it’s impossible just to rely on their strength alone to clear this.”

There were also concerns over the whereabouts of hundreds of people who had been preparing for a beach festival when the 7.5-magnitude quake struck Friday, sparking a tsunami that ripped apart the city’s coastline.

A Facebook page was created by worried relatives who posted pictures of still-missing family members in the hopes of finding them alive.

Amid the levelled trees, overturned cars, concertinaed homes and flotsam tossed up to 50 metres inland, survivors and rescuers struggled to come to grips with the scale of the disaster.

Indonesian president Joko Widodo was expected to travel to the region to see the devastation for himself on Sunday.

On Saturday evening, residents fashioned makeshift bamboo shelters or slept out on dusty playing fields, fearing powerful aftershocks would topple damaged homes and bring yet more carnage.

C-130 military transport aircraft with relief supplies managed to land at the main airport in Palu, which re-opened to humanitarian flights and limited commercial flights, but only to pilots able to land by sight alone.
<img alt="Indonesia" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a07bc8c7-cbb3-4970-a035-366c6184c7c6" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Indonesia-earthquake-AFP_1.JPG" />
Satellite imagery provided by regional relief teams showed the severe damage at some of the area’s major sea ports, with large ships tossed on land, quays and bridges trashed and shipping containers thrown around.

Hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of those injured, with many people being treated in the open air. There were widespread power blackouts.

“We all panicked and ran out of the house” when the quake hit, said Anser Bachmid, a 39-year-old Palu resident. “People here need aid -- food, drink, clean water.”
<img alt="Indonesia Earthquake." data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24d8b396-4274-4a0e-aa90-e5fe21e5e950" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/indo%20%282%29.JPG" />
‘I just ran’

Dramatic video footage captured from the top floor of a parking ramp as the tsunami rolled in showed waves bringing down several buildings and inundating a large mosque.

“I just ran when I saw the waves hitting homes on the coastline,” said Palu resident Rusidanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

About 17,000 people had been evacuated, the government disaster agency said and that number was expected to soar.

“This was a terrifying double disaster,” said Jan Gelfand, a Jakarta-based official at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

“The Indonesian Red Cross is racing to help survivors but we don’t know what they’ll find there.”

Images showed a double-arched yellow bridge had collapsed with its two metal arches twisted as cars bobbed in the water below.

A key access road had been badly damaged and was partially blocked by landslides, the disaster agency said.

Evening prayers

Friday’s tremor was also felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on neighbouring Kalimantan, Indonesia’s portion of Borneo island.

As many as 2.4 million people could have felt the quake, the disaster agency said.

The initial quake struck as evening prayers were about to begin in the world’s biggest Muslim majority country on the holiest day of the week, when mosques are especially busy.

Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth.

It lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where tectonic plates collide and many of the world’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

Earlier this year, a series of powerful quakes hit Lombok, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighbouring Sumbawa.

Indonesia has been hit by a string of other deadly quakes including a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sumatra in December 2004.

That Boxing Day quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia leapt to 832 Sunday, as stunned people on the stricken island of Sulawesi struggled to find food and water and looting spread.

The death toll from a powerful earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia leapt to 832 Sunday, as stunned people on the stricken island of Sulawesi struggled to find food and water and looting spread. The new toll announced by the national disaster agency was almost double the previous figure. Indonesian vice-president Jusuf Kalla said the final number of dead could be in the “thousands.” “It feels very tense,” said 35-year-old mother Risa Kusuma, comforting her feverish baby boy at an evacuation centre in the gutted coastal city of Palu. “Every minute an ambulance brings in bodies. Clean water is scarce. The minimarkets are looted everywhere.” Indonesia’s Metro TV on Sunday broadcast footage from a coastal community in Donggala, close to the epicentre of the quake, where some waterfront homes appeared crushed but a resident said most people fled to higher ground after the quake struck. “When it shook really hard, we all ran up into the hills,” a man identified as Iswan told Metro TV. In Palu city on Sunday aid was trickling in, the Indonesian military had been deployed and search-and-rescue workers were doggedly combing the rubble for survivors -- looking for as many as 150 people at one upscale hotel alone. “We managed to pull out a woman alive from the Hotel Roa-Roa last night,” Muhammad Syaugi, head of the national search and rescue agency, told AFP. “We even heard people calling for help there yesterday.” “What we now desperately need is heavy machinery to clear the rubble. I have my staff on the ground, but it’s impossible just to rely on their strength alone to clear this.” There were also concerns over the whereabouts of hundreds of people who had been preparing for a beach festival when the 7.5-magnitude quake struck Friday, sparking a tsunami that ripped apart the city’s coastline. A Facebook page was created by worried relatives who posted pictures of still-missing family members in the hopes of finding them alive. Amid the levelled trees, overturned cars, concertinaed homes and flotsam tossed up to 50 metres inland, survivors and rescuers struggled to come to grips with the scale of the disaster. Indonesian president Joko Widodo was expected to travel to the region to see the devastation for himself on Sunday. On Saturday evening, residents fashioned makeshift bamboo shelters or slept out on dusty playing fields, fearing powerful aftershocks would topple damaged homes and bring yet more carnage. C-130 military transport aircraft with relief supplies managed to land at the main airport in Palu, which re-opened to humanitarian flights and limited commercial flights, but only to pilots able to land by sight alone. Satellite imagery provided by regional relief teams showed the severe damage at some of the area’s major sea ports, with large ships tossed on land, quays and bridges trashed and shipping containers thrown around. Hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of those injured, with many people being treated in the open air. There were widespread power blackouts. “We all panicked and ran out of the house” when the quake hit, said Anser Bachmid, a 39-year-old Palu resident. “People here need aid -- food, drink, clean water.” ‘I just ran’ Dramatic video footage captured from the top floor of a parking ramp as the tsunami rolled in showed waves bringing down several buildings and inundating a large mosque. “I just ran when I saw the waves hitting homes on the coastline,” said Palu resident Rusidanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. About 17,000 people had been evacuated, the government disaster agency said and that number was expected to soar. “This was a terrifying double disaster,” said Jan Gelfand, a Jakarta-based official at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. “The Indonesian Red Cross is racing to help survivors but we don’t know what they’ll find there.” Images showed a double-arched yellow bridge had collapsed with its two metal arches twisted as cars bobbed in the water below. A key access road had been badly damaged and was partially blocked by landslides, the disaster agency said. Evening prayers Friday’s tremor was also felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on neighbouring Kalimantan, Indonesia’s portion of Borneo island. As many as 2.4 million people could have felt the quake, the disaster agency said. The initial quake struck as evening prayers were about to begin in the world’s biggest Muslim majority country on the holiest day of the week, when mosques are especially busy. Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth. It lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where tectonic plates collide and many of the world’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. Earlier this year, a series of powerful quakes hit Lombok, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighbouring Sumbawa. Indonesia has been hit by a string of other deadly quakes including a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sumatra in December 2004. That Boxing Day quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.

832 dead in Indonesia earthquake; food, water shortage looms large

Hundreds of desperate people in the tsunami-struck Indonesian city of Palu looted supermarkets and petrol stations Sunday, as an initial trickle of aid into the devastated area failed to relieve an acute shortage of water, food and fuel.

Hordes of residents on Sulawesi island were seen scrambling over broken glass and through broken-down barricades at a supermarket in the centre of Palu, which was ravaged by a powerful 7.5-magnitude quake and a tsunami on Friday.

Men and women made off with plastic bin bags and baskets full of biscuits, crisps, nappies, gas canisters, tissue paper and more.

"There has been no aid, we need to eat. We don't have any other choice, we must get food," shouted one man.

"We are in a crisis," cried another.

Two small aftershocks hit while looters marauded through the building, prompting screams of "Earthquake, earthquake."

But undeterred, more and more mopeds arrived, depositing people in front of the store.

"This situation forced us to do this. We need everything, food, water," said a group of teenagers. "We took anything we could take. We can't even cook. So that's why we looted."

A handful of vastly outnumbered police officers stood by or looked on from the police station across the road -- unable or unwilling to uphold law and order that has quickly melted away.&nbsp;

There was a similar scene at a local petrol station where crowds tried to tap underground storage wells for fuel.

"There is only one petrol station that is still operational," Ray Pratama, a local photographer -- who was not involved in the looting -- told AFP. "People are desperate."

They filled up jerrycans, empty soft drink bottles and kitchenware.

"If you sell with reasonable price, that's okay, but they increase the prices sharply, for basic goods," said one female looter.

Many Palu residents are still sleeping outside for fear of more aftershocks. Even if they had access to plug sockets, there would be no electricity. 
Some aid has started to trickle in to Sulawesi, located in the centre of Indonesia's vast, 17,000-island archipelago.&nbsp;

The government is flying in six field kitchens capable of producing a total of 36,000 rice plates a day and thousands of mattresses, blankets and ready to eat meals.&nbsp;

But it is not coming quick enough for some.

"The shops aren't open and the markets are empty," one 33-year-old looter, who only identified himself as Eddy, told AFP.

"We have to break into all of them one by one."

Hundreds of desperate people in the tsunami-struck Indonesian city of Palu looted supermarkets and petrol stations Sunday, as an initial trickle of aid into the devastated area failed to relieve an acute shortage of water, food and fuel.

Hundreds of desperate people in the tsunami-struck Indonesian city of Palu looted supermarkets and petrol stations Sunday, as an initial trickle of aid into the devastated area failed to relieve an acute shortage of water, food and fuel. Hordes of residents on Sulawesi island were seen scrambling over broken glass and through broken-down barricades at a supermarket in the centre of Palu, which was ravaged by a powerful 7.5-magnitude quake and a tsunami on Friday. Men and women made off with plastic bin bags and baskets full of biscuits, crisps, nappies, gas canisters, tissue paper and more. "There has been no aid, we need to eat. We don't have any other choice, we must get food," shouted one man. "We are in a crisis," cried another. Two small aftershocks hit while looters marauded through the building, prompting screams of "Earthquake, earthquake." But undeterred, more and more mopeds arrived, depositing people in front of the store. "This situation forced us to do this. We need everything, food, water," said a group of teenagers. "We took anything we could take. We can't even cook. So that's why we looted." A handful of vastly outnumbered police officers stood by or looked on from the police station across the road -- unable or unwilling to uphold law and order that has quickly melted away. There was a similar scene at a local petrol station where crowds tried to tap underground storage wells for fuel. "There is only one petrol station that is still operational," Ray Pratama, a local photographer -- who was not involved in the looting -- told AFP. "People are desperate." They filled up jerrycans, empty soft drink bottles and kitchenware. "If you sell with reasonable price, that's okay, but they increase the prices sharply, for basic goods," said one female looter. Many Palu residents are still sleeping outside for fear of more aftershocks. Even if they had access to plug sockets, there would be no electricity. Some aid has started to trickle in to Sulawesi, located in the centre of Indonesia's vast, 17,000-island archipelago. The government is flying in six field kitchens capable of producing a total of 36,000 rice plates a day and thousands of mattresses, blankets and ready to eat meals. But it is not coming quick enough for some. "The shops aren't open and the markets are empty," one 33-year-old looter, who only identified himself as Eddy, told AFP. "We have to break into all of them one by one."

Desperate quake-hit Indonesians turn to looting

The death toll from a powerful earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia leapt to 832 Sunday, as stunned people on the stricken island of Sulawesi struggled to find food and water and looting spread.

The new toll announced by the national disaster agency was almost double the previous figure. Indonesian vice-president Jusuf Kalla said the final number of dead could be in the “thousands.”

“It feels very tense,” said 35-year-old mother Risa Kusuma, comforting her feverish baby boy at an evacuation centre in the gutted coastal city of Palu. “Every minute an ambulance brings in bodies. Clean water is scarce. The minimarkets are looted everywhere.”

Indonesia’s Metro TV on Sunday broadcast footage from a coastal community in Donggala, close to the epicentre of the quake, where some waterfront homes appeared crushed but a resident said most people fled to higher ground after the quake struck.

“When it shook really hard, we all ran up into the hills,” a man identified as Iswan told Metro TV.

In Palu city on Sunday aid was trickling in, the Indonesian military had been deployed and search-and-rescue workers were doggedly combing the rubble for survivors -- looking for as many as 150 people at one upscale hotel alone.

“We managed to pull out a woman alive from the Hotel Roa-Roa last night,” Muhammad Syaugi, head of the national search and rescue agency, told AFP. “We even heard people calling for help there yesterday.”

“What we now desperately need is heavy machinery to clear the rubble. I have my staff on the ground, but it’s impossible just to rely on their strength alone to clear this.”

There were also concerns over the whereabouts of hundreds of people who had been preparing for a beach festival when the 7.5-magnitude quake struck Friday, sparking a tsunami that ripped apart the city’s coastline.

A Facebook page was created by worried relatives who posted pictures of still-missing family members in the hopes of finding them alive.

Amid the levelled trees, overturned cars, concertinaed homes and flotsam tossed up to 50 metres inland, survivors and rescuers struggled to come to grips with the scale of the disaster.

Indonesian president Joko Widodo was expected to travel to the region to see the devastation for himself on Sunday.

On Saturday evening, residents fashioned makeshift bamboo shelters or slept out on dusty playing fields, fearing powerful aftershocks would topple damaged homes and bring yet more carnage.

C-130 military transport aircraft with relief supplies managed to land at the main airport in Palu, which re-opened to humanitarian flights and limited commercial flights, but only to pilots able to land by sight alone.

Satellite imagery provided by regional relief teams showed the severe damage at some of the area’s major sea ports, with large ships tossed on land, quays and bridges trashed and shipping containers thrown around.

Hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of those injured, with many people being treated in the open air. There were widespread power blackouts.

“We all panicked and ran out of the house” when the quake hit, said Anser Bachmid, a 39-year-old Palu resident. “People here need aid -- food, drink, clean water.”

‘I just ran’

Dramatic video footage captured from the top floor of a parking ramp as the tsunami rolled in showed waves bringing down several buildings and inundating a large mosque.

“I just ran when I saw the waves hitting homes on the coastline,” said Palu resident Rusidanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

About 17,000 people had been evacuated, the government disaster agency said and that number was expected to soar.

“This was a terrifying double disaster,” said Jan Gelfand, a Jakarta-based official at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

“The Indonesian Red Cross is racing to help survivors but we don’t know what they’ll find there.”

Images showed a double-arched yellow bridge had collapsed with its two metal arches twisted as cars bobbed in the water below.

A key access road had been badly damaged and was partially blocked by landslides, the disaster agency said.

Evening prayers

Friday’s tremor was also felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on neighbouring Kalimantan, Indonesia’s portion of Borneo island.

As many as 2.4 million people could have felt the quake, the disaster agency said.

The initial quake struck as evening prayers were about to begin in the world’s biggest Muslim majority country on the holiest day of the week, when mosques are especially busy.

Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth.

It lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where tectonic plates collide and many of the world’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

Earlier this year, a series of powerful quakes hit Lombok, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighbouring Sumbawa.

Indonesia has been hit by a string of other deadly quakes including a devastating 9.1-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sumatra in December 2004.

That Boxing Day quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.

Death toll in Indonesia quake-tsunami doubles to 832, final number could be in thousands

Over 40 people were killed after tsunami and earthquake hit a small city on Sulawesi island on Friday. 30 were reported dead at an Indonesian hospital, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The tsunami up to 2 metres (six feet) high struck beaches as dusk fell in Palu, a sleepy but growing tourist resort, and the nearby fishing town of Donggala, closest to the epicentre of the quake 27 km away, officials said.

Officials said aftershocks, communications breakdown and power outages made it hard to coordinate the rescue efforts.

The US Geological Survey put the magnitude of the second quake at a strong 7.5, after first saying it was 7.7.

"Bodies of victims were found in several places because they were hit by the rubble of collapsing buildings or swept by the tsunami ... but we are still collecting data," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman said on Saturday.

National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Nugroho declined to give an official death toll, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The Palu area was hit by a lighter quake earlier on Friday, which destroyed some houses, killed one person and injured at least 10 in the fishing town of Donggala, closest to the epicentre, authorities said.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly hit by earthquakes. Palu and Donggala regions of Indonesia are home to over&nbsp;600,000 people.

A series of earthquakes in July and August killed nearly 500 people on the holiday island of Lombok, hundreds of kilometres southwest of Sulawesi.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Over 40 people were killed after tsunami and earthquake hit a small city on Sulawesi island on Friday. 30 were reported dead at an Indonesian hospital, news agency Reuters reported.

Over 40 people were killed after tsunami and earthquake hit a small city on Sulawesi island on Friday. 30 were reported dead at an Indonesian hospital, news agency Reuters reported. The tsunami up to 2 metres (six feet) high struck beaches as dusk fell in Palu, a sleepy but growing tourist resort, and the nearby fishing town of Donggala, closest to the epicentre of the quake 27 km away, officials said. Officials said aftershocks, communications breakdown and power outages made it hard to coordinate the rescue efforts. The US Geological Survey put the magnitude of the second quake at a strong 7.5, after first saying it was 7.7. "Bodies of victims were found in several places because they were hit by the rubble of collapsing buildings or swept by the tsunami ... but we are still collecting data," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman said on Saturday. National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Nugroho declined to give an official death toll, news agency Reuters reported. The Palu area was hit by a lighter quake earlier on Friday, which destroyed some houses, killed one person and injured at least 10 in the fishing town of Donggala, closest to the epicentre, authorities said. Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly hit by earthquakes. Palu and Donggala regions of Indonesia are home to over 600,000 people. A series of earthquakes in July and August killed nearly 500 people on the holiday island of Lombok, hundreds of kilometres southwest of Sulawesi. (With inputs from agencies)

Quake, tsunami hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island, death toll mounts to 48

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/30-dead-after-quake-tsunami-hit-small-city-indonesian-island-sulawesi-168346">30 dead after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/30-dead-after-quake-tsunami-hit-small-city-indonesian-island-sulawesi-168346">quake</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/30-dead-after-quake-tsunami-hit-small-city-indonesian-island-sulawesi-168346">, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/30-dead-after-quake-tsunami-hit-small-city-indonesian-island-sulawesi-168346">tsunami</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/30-dead-after-quake-tsunami-hit-small-city-indonesian-island-sulawesi-168346"> hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island</a>

At least 30 people have been reported dead at an Indonesia hospital after Tsunami and earthquake hit a small city on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-fbi-probe-kavanaugh-senate-delays-final-vote-168336">Trump orders FBI probe of Kavanaugh as Senate delays </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-fbi-probe-kavanaugh-senate-delays-final-vote-168336">final</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-fbi-probe-kavanaugh-senate-delays-final-vote-168336"> vote</a>

US President Donald Trump ordered a new FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations against his Supreme Court pick Friday, as the Senate delayed a vote on Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to make way for the probe.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-prices-continue-rise-fourth-day-week-petrol-price-reaches-rs-8340-delhi-168339">Fuel prices continue to rise on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-prices-continue-rise-fourth-day-week-petrol-price-reaches-rs-8340-delhi-168339">fourth</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-prices-continue-rise-fourth-day-week-petrol-price-reaches-rs-8340-delhi-168339"> day this week, petrol jumps to Rs 83.40 in Delhi</a>

Fuel prices in the national capital continued to rise on Saturday with petrol prices registering an increase of Rs 0.22 paise while diesel shot up by Rs 0.21 paise.

Petrol in Delhi today will be sold at Rs 83.40 per litre whereas diesel amounts to Rs 74.63 per litre.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-possible-contender-2018-nobel-peace-prize-168340">US President Donald Trump possible contender for 2018 Nobel Peace Prize?</a>

US President Donald Trump is a contender for this year's Nobel Peace Prize after holding a historical meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore on June 12, 2018 which ambitiously aimed to pave the way for the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/human-rights-lawyer-amal-clooney-appeals-suu-kyi-reporters-release-168351">Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney appeals to Suu Kyi for reporters' release</a>

Prominent human rights lawyer Amal Clooney appealed to Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday over a pardon for two Reuters journalists imprisoned in Myanmar, saying the Nobel laureate held the key to their release.

30 dead after quake, tsunami hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island At least 30 people have been reported dead at an Indonesia hospital after Tsunami and earthquake hit a small city on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday.

30 dead after quake, tsunami hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island At least 30 people have been reported dead at an Indonesia hospital after Tsunami and earthquake hit a small city on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday. Trump orders FBI probe of Kavanaugh as Senate delays final vote US President Donald Trump ordered a new FBI investigation into sexual assault allegations against his Supreme Court pick Friday, as the Senate delayed a vote on Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to make way for the probe. Fuel prices continue to rise on fourth day this week, petrol jumps to Rs 83.40 in Delhi Fuel prices in the national capital continued to rise on Saturday with petrol prices registering an increase of Rs 0.22 paise while diesel shot up by Rs 0.21 paise. Petrol in Delhi today will be sold at Rs 83.40 per litre whereas diesel amounts to Rs 74.63 per litre. US President Donald Trump possible contender for 2018 Nobel Peace Prize? US President Donald Trump is a contender for this year's Nobel Peace Prize after holding a historical meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore on June 12, 2018 which ambitiously aimed to pave the way for the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney appeals to Suu Kyi for reporters' release Prominent human rights lawyer Amal Clooney appealed to Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday over a pardon for two Reuters journalists imprisoned in Myanmar, saying the Nobel laureate held the key to their release.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Nearly 400 people were killed when a powerful quake sent a tsunami barrelling into the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, officials said Saturday, as hospitals struggled to cope with hundreds of injured and rescuers scrambled to reach the stricken region.

The national disaster agency put the official death toll so far at 384, all of them in the tsunami-struck city of Palu, but warned the toll was likely to rise.

Some 540 people were badly injured, it added.

In the city -- home to around 350,000 people -- partially covered bodies lay on the ground near the shore, the day after tsunami waves 1.5 metres (five feet) high hit the coast.

There were also concerns over the whereabouts of hundreds of people preparing for a beach festival that had been due to start Friday evening, the disaster agency said.

Hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of injured, with many people being treated in the open air, while other survivors helped to retrieve the remains of those who died.

One man was seen carrying the muddy corpse of a small child.

The tsunami was triggered by a strong quake that brought down buildings and sent locals fleeing for higher ground as a churning wall of water crashed into Palu, where there were widespread power blackouts.

Dramatic video footage captured from the top floor of a parking ramp in Palu, nearly 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the quake's epicentre, showed waves bring down several buildings and inundate a large mosque.

"I just ran when I saw the waves hitting homes on the coastline," said Palu resident Rusidanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

About 17,000 people had been evacuated, the disaster agency said, and that figure is expected to rise.

The shallow 7.5 magnitude tremor was more powerful than a series of quakes that killed hundreds on the Indonesian island of Lombok in July and August.

Indonesian president Joko Widodo said the military was being called in to the disaster-struck region to help search-and-rescue teams get to victims and find bodies.&nbsp;

"This was a terrifying double disaster," said Jan Gelfand, a Jakarta-based official at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

"The Indonesian Red Cross is racing to help survivors but we don't know what they'll find there."

The massive tremors were felt hundreds of kilometres away and there has been little word about casualties in Donggala, a region north of Palu where at least one person was reported dead in Friday's quakes.

"We have heard nothing from Donggala and this is extremely worrying," Gelfand said.&nbsp;

"There are more than 300,000 people living there. This is already a tragedy, but it could get much worse."

The quake hit just off central Sulawesi at a depth of 10 kilometres just before 1100&nbsp;GMT -- early evening in Indonesia -- the US Geological Survey said. Such shallow quakes tend to be more destructive.

Pictures supplied by the disaster agency showed a badly damaged shopping mall in Palu where at least one floor had collapsed onto the storey below, while other photographs showed major damage to buildings and large cracks across pavements.

Homes and a local hotel were flattened while a landmark city bridge was destroyed.

Video from the scene showed the double-arched, yellow bridge had collapsed with its two metal arches twisted as cars bobbed in the water below.

An AFP reporter on the scene saw widespread damage some 50 metres inland.

A key access road had been badly damaged and was partially blocked by landslides, the disaster agency said.

The main airport in Palu, capital of South Sulawesi province, was shut after the tsunami struck and was expected to stay closed for at least 24 hours, complicating any disaster relief efforts.

Friday's tremor was also felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on neighbouring Kalimantan, Indonesia's portion of Borneo island.

The initial quake struck as evening prayers were about to begin in the world's biggest Muslim majority country on the holiest day of the week, when mosques are especially busy.

Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth.

It lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

Earlier this year, a series of powerful quakes hit Lombok, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighbouring Sumbawa.

Indonesia has been hit by a string of other deadly quakes including a devastating 9.1 magnitude tremor&nbsp;that struck off the coast of Sumatra in December 2004.

That Boxing Day quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.

In 2010, about 430 were killed when a huge quake sparked a tsunami off the coast of Sumatra, while more than 600 died in a quake-tsunami disaster on Java island.

Nearly 400 people were killed when a powerful quake sent a tsunami barrelling into the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, officials said Saturday, as hospitals struggled to cope with hundreds of injured and rescuers scrambled to reach the stricken region.

Nearly 400 people were killed when a powerful quake sent a tsunami barrelling into the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, officials said Saturday, as hospitals struggled to cope with hundreds of injured and rescuers scrambled to reach the stricken region. The national disaster agency put the official death toll so far at 384, all of them in the tsunami-struck city of Palu, but warned the toll was likely to rise. Some 540 people were badly injured, it added. In the city -- home to around 350,000 people -- partially covered bodies lay on the ground near the shore, the day after tsunami waves 1.5 metres (five feet) high hit the coast. There were also concerns over the whereabouts of hundreds of people preparing for a beach festival that had been due to start Friday evening, the disaster agency said. Hospitals were overwhelmed by the influx of injured, with many people being treated in the open air, while other survivors helped to retrieve the remains of those who died. One man was seen carrying the muddy corpse of a small child. The tsunami was triggered by a strong quake that brought down buildings and sent locals fleeing for higher ground as a churning wall of water crashed into Palu, where there were widespread power blackouts. Dramatic video footage captured from the top floor of a parking ramp in Palu, nearly 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the quake's epicentre, showed waves bring down several buildings and inundate a large mosque. "I just ran when I saw the waves hitting homes on the coastline," said Palu resident Rusidanto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. About 17,000 people had been evacuated, the disaster agency said, and that figure is expected to rise. The shallow 7.5 magnitude tremor was more powerful than a series of quakes that killed hundreds on the Indonesian island of Lombok in July and August. Indonesian president Joko Widodo said the military was being called in to the disaster-struck region to help search-and-rescue teams get to victims and find bodies. "This was a terrifying double disaster," said Jan Gelfand, a Jakarta-based official at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. "The Indonesian Red Cross is racing to help survivors but we don't know what they'll find there." The massive tremors were felt hundreds of kilometres away and there has been little word about casualties in Donggala, a region north of Palu where at least one person was reported dead in Friday's quakes. "We have heard nothing from Donggala and this is extremely worrying," Gelfand said. "There are more than 300,000 people living there. This is already a tragedy, but it could get much worse." The quake hit just off central Sulawesi at a depth of 10 kilometres just before 1100 GMT -- early evening in Indonesia -- the US Geological Survey said. Such shallow quakes tend to be more destructive. Pictures supplied by the disaster agency showed a badly damaged shopping mall in Palu where at least one floor had collapsed onto the storey below, while other photographs showed major damage to buildings and large cracks across pavements. Homes and a local hotel were flattened while a landmark city bridge was destroyed. Video from the scene showed the double-arched, yellow bridge had collapsed with its two metal arches twisted as cars bobbed in the water below. An AFP reporter on the scene saw widespread damage some 50 metres inland. A key access road had been badly damaged and was partially blocked by landslides, the disaster agency said. The main airport in Palu, capital of South Sulawesi province, was shut after the tsunami struck and was expected to stay closed for at least 24 hours, complicating any disaster relief efforts. Friday's tremor was also felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on neighbouring Kalimantan, Indonesia's portion of Borneo island. The initial quake struck as evening prayers were about to begin in the world's biggest Muslim majority country on the holiest day of the week, when mosques are especially busy. Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth. It lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. Earlier this year, a series of powerful quakes hit Lombok, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighbouring Sumbawa. Indonesia has been hit by a string of other deadly quakes including a devastating 9.1 magnitude tremor that struck off the coast of Sumatra in December 2004. That Boxing Day quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia. In 2010, about 430 were killed when a huge quake sparked a tsunami off the coast of Sumatra, while more than 600 died in a quake-tsunami disaster on Java island.

Hundreds killed in Indonesia quake-tsunami

A tsunami caused deaths when it hit a small city on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday after a major quake, collapsing buildings and cutting off power, officials said, although the exact number of casualties was not clear.

The tsunami up to 2 metres (six feet) high struck beaches as dusk fell in Palu, a sleepy but growing tourist resort, and the nearby fishing town of Donggala, closest to the epicentre of the quake 27 km away, officials said.

"The earthquake and tsunami caused several casualties ... while initial reports show that victims died in the rubble of a collapsing building," National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told reporters. "The number of casualties and the full impact is still being calculated."

Sutopo said the disaster caused a power outage that cut communications in Donggala and surrounding areas. The Communications Ministry is working to repair 276 electricity base stations.

Officials said aftershocks, the communications breakdown and the power outage made it hard to coordinate rescue efforts.

More than 600,000 people live in Palu and Donggala.

"The 1.5- to two-metre tsunami has receded," Dwikorita Karnawati, who heads Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency, BMKG, told Reuters.

"The situation is chaotic. People are running on the streets and buildings have collapsed. There is a ship washed ashore."

Amateur footage shown by local TV stations, which could not immediately be authenticated by Reuters, showed waters crashing into houses along Palu's shoreline, scattering shipping containers and flooding into a mosque in the city.

The national search and rescue agency will deploy a large ship and helicopters to aid the operation, said agency chief Muhammad Syaugi, adding he had not been able to contact his team in Palu.

The armed forces and police will also provide troops and equipment to support the emergency response, officials aid.

Oil company Pertamina said its fuel depot in Donggala had been damaged in the incident though there was no oil spill. Fuel tanks had shifted in the quake and ship loading facilities were disabled among other damage.

There were no reports of damage to producing oil and gas fields in the area, according to the energy ministry.

Palu, hit by a 6.2 magnitude quake in 2005 which killed one person, is a tourist resort at the end of a narrow bay famous for its beaches and water sports.

In 2004, an earthquake off the northern Indonesian island of Sumatra triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean, killing 226,000 people in 13 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia.

Some people took to Twitter saying they could not contact loved ones. "My family in Palu is unreachable," Twitter user @noyvionella said. 
Palu airport was closed.

The area was hit by a lighter quake earlier in the day, which destroyed some houses, killing one person and injuring at least 10 in Donggala, authorities said.

The US Geological Survey put the magnitude of the second quake at a strong 7.5, after first saying it was 7.7.

"Aftershocks are still continuing," Nugroho said.

"Communication has been crippled at this time, causing difficulties in coordination and reporting with the region."

Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly hit by earthquakes.

A series of earthquakes in July and August killed nearly 500 people on the holiday island of Lombok, hundreds of kilometres southwest of Sulawesi.

A tsunami caused deaths when it hit a small city on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday after a major quake, collapsing buildings and cutting off power, officials said, although the exact number of casualties was not clear.

A tsunami caused deaths when it hit a small city on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday after a major quake, collapsing buildings and cutting off power, officials said, although the exact number of casualties was not clear. The tsunami up to 2 metres (six feet) high struck beaches as dusk fell in Palu, a sleepy but growing tourist resort, and the nearby fishing town of Donggala, closest to the epicentre of the quake 27 km away, officials said. "The earthquake and tsunami caused several casualties ... while initial reports show that victims died in the rubble of a collapsing building," National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told reporters. "The number of casualties and the full impact is still being calculated." Sutopo said the disaster caused a power outage that cut communications in Donggala and surrounding areas. The Communications Ministry is working to repair 276 electricity base stations. Officials said aftershocks, the communications breakdown and the power outage made it hard to coordinate rescue efforts. More than 600,000 people live in Palu and Donggala. "The 1.5- to two-metre tsunami has receded," Dwikorita Karnawati, who heads Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency, BMKG, told Reuters. "The situation is chaotic. People are running on the streets and buildings have collapsed. There is a ship washed ashore." Amateur footage shown by local TV stations, which could not immediately be authenticated by Reuters, showed waters crashing into houses along Palu's shoreline, scattering shipping containers and flooding into a mosque in the city. The national search and rescue agency will deploy a large ship and helicopters to aid the operation, said agency chief Muhammad Syaugi, adding he had not been able to contact his team in Palu. The armed forces and police will also provide troops and equipment to support the emergency response, officials aid. Oil company Pertamina said its fuel depot in Donggala had been damaged in the incident though there was no oil spill. Fuel tanks had shifted in the quake and ship loading facilities were disabled among other damage. There were no reports of damage to producing oil and gas fields in the area, according to the energy ministry. Palu, hit by a 6.2 magnitude quake in 2005 which killed one person, is a tourist resort at the end of a narrow bay famous for its beaches and water sports. In 2004, an earthquake off the northern Indonesian island of Sumatra triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean, killing 226,000 people in 13 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia. Some people took to Twitter saying they could not contact loved ones. "My family in Palu is unreachable," Twitter user @noyvionella said. Palu airport was closed. The area was hit by a lighter quake earlier in the day, which destroyed some houses, killing one person and injuring at least 10 in Donggala, authorities said. The US Geological Survey put the magnitude of the second quake at a strong 7.5, after first saying it was 7.7. "Aftershocks are still continuing," Nugroho said. "Communication has been crippled at this time, causing difficulties in coordination and reporting with the region." Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly hit by earthquakes. A series of earthquakes in July and August killed nearly 500 people on the holiday island of Lombok, hundreds of kilometres southwest of Sulawesi.

Major quake and tsunami cause deaths in Indonesian city

The death toll from Indonesia's quake and tsunami has jumped to 384, news agency AFP quoted Indonesia's disaster agency on Saturday.

So far, all the deaths have been reported from the tsunami-struck region of Palu, a day after waves 1.5 metres (five feet) high slammed into the city of 350,000 in central Sulawesi island.

The tsunami up to 2 metres (six feet) high struck beaches as dusk fell in Palu, a sleepy but growing tourist resort, and the nearby fishing town of Donggala, closest to the epicentre of the quake 27 km away, officials said.

Officials said aftershocks, communications breakdown and power outages made it hard to coordinate the rescue efforts.

The US Geological Survey put the magnitude of the second quake at a strong 7.5, after first saying it was 7.7.

"Bodies of victims were found in several places because they were hit by the rubble of collapsing buildings or swept by the tsunami ... but we are still collecting data," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman said on Saturday.

National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Nugroho declined to give an official death toll, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The Palu area was hit by a lighter quake earlier on Friday, which destroyed some houses, killed one person and injured at least 10 in the fishing town of Donggala, closest to the epicentre, authorities said.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly hit by earthquakes. Palu and Donggala regions of Indonesia are home to over 600,000 people.

A series of earthquakes in July and August killed nearly 500 people on the holiday island of Lombok, hundreds of kilometres southwest of Sulawesi.

According to reports, the hospital staff is struggling to cope with hundreds of injured and rescuers while rescuers scramble to reach the stricken region; more details are awaited.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The death toll from Indonesia's quake and tsunami has jumped to 384, news agency AFP quoted Indonesia's disaster agency on Saturday. So far, all the deaths have been reported from the tsunami-struck region of Palu, a day after waves 1.

The death toll from Indonesia's quake and tsunami has jumped to 384, news agency AFP quoted Indonesia's disaster agency on Saturday. So far, all the deaths have been reported from the tsunami-struck region of Palu, a day after waves 1.5 metres (five feet) high slammed into the city of 350,000 in central Sulawesi island. The tsunami up to 2 metres (six feet) high struck beaches as dusk fell in Palu, a sleepy but growing tourist resort, and the nearby fishing town of Donggala, closest to the epicentre of the quake 27 km away, officials said. Officials said aftershocks, communications breakdown and power outages made it hard to coordinate the rescue efforts. The US Geological Survey put the magnitude of the second quake at a strong 7.5, after first saying it was 7.7. "Bodies of victims were found in several places because they were hit by the rubble of collapsing buildings or swept by the tsunami ... but we are still collecting data," Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman said on Saturday. National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Nugroho declined to give an official death toll, news agency Reuters reported. The Palu area was hit by a lighter quake earlier on Friday, which destroyed some houses, killed one person and injured at least 10 in the fishing town of Donggala, closest to the epicentre, authorities said. Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly hit by earthquakes. Palu and Donggala regions of Indonesia are home to over 600,000 people. A series of earthquakes in July and August killed nearly 500 people on the holiday island of Lombok, hundreds of kilometres southwest of Sulawesi. According to reports, the hospital staff is struggling to cope with hundreds of injured and rescuers while rescuers scramble to reach the stricken region; more details are awaited. (With inputs from agencies) ×

Death toll jumps to 384 in quake, tsunami hit Indonesia: Report

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 struck off the Indonesian island of Sumatra on Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said, but there were no initial reports of damage or injury.

The shallow quake struck 246 km (152 miles) southwest of Padang on Sumatra, the USGS said. There was no immediate warning from the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The quake was later downgraded to 5.8 by the USGS.

The shallow quake struck 246 km (152 miles) southwest of Padang on Sumatra, the USGS said

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 struck off the Indonesian island of Sumatra on Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said, but there were no initial reports of damage or injury. The shallow quake struck 246 km (152 miles) southwest of Padang on Sumatra, the USGS said. There was no immediate warning from the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. The quake was later downgraded to 5.8 by the USGS.

Quake with magnitude of 6.0 strikes off Indonesia's Sumatra

A heartbreaking video is recently doing rounds on social media showing devastating impact of deforestation in Indonesia.

A video showing an orangutan trying to fight with bulldozer pulling down trees as the ape attempts to save his habitat.&nbsp

According to reports, the video was filmed in 2013 was released on an environmental day. It was shot in West Borneo by the animal welfare organisation, International Animal Rescue.&nbsp

The 30-seconds video posted on Facebook by International Animal Rescue shows a distressed orangutan trying to fight with a bulldozer that is felling trees.&nbsp

"This desperate frantically seeking refuge from the destructive power of the bulldozer a machine that has already decimated everything else around him," International Animal rescue wrote in a video caption.

The Facebook further informs that the two members of the rescue team of International Animal Rescue who was present at the site managed to rescue orangutan. &nbsp

"Despite all the obstacles thrown at them, our team were able to rescue this orangutan and bring him to safety," International Animal rescue wrote.

Scenes like this have become more and more frequent in Indonesia. Indonesia forests are home to over 1000 orangutans and the deforestation has caused the population of orangutans to plummet habitats are destroyed and orangutans are left to starve and die.

Indonesia is home to some of the most biologically diverse forests in the world and ranks third in the number of species behind Brazil and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a plea urging people to plant more trees, the animal welfare organisation further wrote, "We need to ACT NOW. This World Environment Day, plant a tree and help us rebuild and protect precious orangutan habitat. The situation is critical, and we are running out of time."&nbsp

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According to reports, the video was filmed in 2013 was released on an environmental day. It was shot in West Borneo by the animal welfare organisation, International Animal Rescue

A heartbreaking video is recently doing rounds on social media showing devastating impact of deforestation in Indonesia. A video showing an orangutan trying to fight with bulldozer pulling down trees as the ape attempts to save his habitat. According to reports, the video was filmed in 2013 was released on an environmental day. It was shot in West Borneo by the animal welfare organisation, International Animal Rescue. The 30-seconds video posted on Facebook by International Animal Rescue shows a distressed orangutan trying to fight with a bulldozer that is felling trees. "This desperate frantically seeking refuge from the destructive power of the bulldozer a machine that has already decimated everything else around him," International Animal rescue wrote in a video caption. The Facebook further informs that the two members of the rescue team of International Animal Rescue who was present at the site managed to rescue orangutan. "Despite all the obstacles thrown at them, our team were able to rescue this orangutan and bring him to safety," International Animal rescue wrote. Scenes like this have become more and more frequent in Indonesia. Indonesia forests are home to over 1000 orangutans and the deforestation has caused the population of orangutans to plummet habitats are destroyed and orangutans are left to starve and die. Indonesia is home to some of the most biologically diverse forests in the world and ranks third in the number of species behind Brazil and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a plea urging people to plant more trees, the animal welfare organisation further wrote, "We need to ACT NOW. This World Environment Day, plant a tree and help us rebuild and protect precious orangutan habitat. The situation is critical, and we are running out of time." ×

Watch: Heartbreaking viral video shows Orangutan trying to save its home in Indonesia

A day after Maldives failed to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, losing to&nbsp;Indonesia, the government of Maldives thanked the Indian government for supporting its candidature in the UNSC.

Ambassador of Maldives to India, Ahmed Mohamed, appreciated India's support for Maldives' UNSC candidature.&nbsp;

He tweeted, "The #Maldives highly appreciates the support by #India for our #UNSC candidature. We received reassurances in writing on 7 June 2018 as well. @MDVForeign @MDVinIND".

Maldives had contested against Indonesia for a seat in the UNSC where it lost in the plenary session held at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday. Indonesia won the seat after securing 144 votes against 46 for the Maldives.

The Ministry of External Affairs has, however, not clarified on whether India voted for Maldives or Indonesia. Quoting the MEA a media reported that the ministry never reveals such vote to the public.

The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations majorly responsible for maintaining international peace and security.&nbsp;

Ambassador of Maldives to India, Ahmed Mohamed, has appreciated India's support for Maldives' UNSC candidature. He tweeted, "The #Maldives highly appreciates the support by #India for our #UNSC candidature. We received reassurances in writing on 7 June 2018 as well. @MDVForeign @MDVinIND"

A day after Maldives failed to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, losing to Indonesia, the government of Maldives thanked the Indian government for supporting its candidature in the UNSC. Ambassador of Maldives to India, Ahmed Mohamed, appreciated India's support for Maldives' UNSC candidature. He tweeted, "The #Maldives highly appreciates the support by #India for our #UNSC candidature. We received reassurances in writing on 7 June 2018 as well. @MDVForeign @MDVinIND". Maldives had contested against Indonesia for a seat in the UNSC where it lost in the plenary session held at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday. Indonesia won the seat after securing 144 votes against 46 for the Maldives. The Ministry of External Affairs has, however, not clarified on whether India voted for Maldives or Indonesia. Quoting the MEA a media reported that the ministry never reveals such vote to the public. The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations majorly responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

Despite losing UNSC bid, Maldives govt thanks India for support

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/-europeans-nations-unanimously-oppose-president-trumps-call-to-admit-russia-into-g7-macron-143208">Europeans nations 'unanimously oppose' President Trump's call to admit Russia into G7: Macron</a>

As US President called G-7 countries to admit Russia, French president Emmanuel Macron said European members "unanimously oppose" Russia's entry.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/watch-macron-may-have-put-too-much-pressure-on-trump-at-the-g7-summit-leaves-thumb-imprint--143212">Watch: Macron may have put 'too much pressure' on Trump at G7, leaves thumb imprint</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron on&nbsp<a href="http://wionews.com/world/-europeans-nations-unanimously-oppose-president-trumps-call-to-admit-russia-into-g7-macron-143208">Friday met US President Donald Trump in&nbsp</a>Canada for the continued trade talks and put pressure on the US on its decision to impose tariffs&nbspon metals imports. But, he may have put a tad bit too much, which was evidently seen by the aftermath of the handshake - which left a prominent imprint on the US Presidents hand.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/despite-losing-unsc-seat-maldives-govt-thanks-india-for-support--143215">Despite losing UNSC seat, Maldives govt thanks India for support</a>

A day after Maldives failed to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, losing to&nbspIndonesia, the government of Maldives thanked the Indian government for supporting its candidature in the UNSC.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-heads-to-china-for-sco-summit-143220">PM Modi heads to China for SCO Summit</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pak-interim-pm-reviews-fatf-requirements-on-terror-financing-143210">Pak interim PM reviews FATF requirements on terror financing</a>

Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk reviewed on Friday the measures taken by the country to meet the requirement of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force over terrorism financing.

&nbsp

Europeans nations 'unanimously oppose' President Trump's call to admit Russia into G7: Macron As US President called G-7 countries to admit Russia, French president Emmanuel Macron said European members "unanimously oppose" Russia's entry. Watch: Macron may have put 'too much pressure' on Trump at G7, leaves thumb imprint French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday met US President Donald Trump in Canada for the continued trade talks and put pressure on the US on its decision to impose tariffs&nbspon metals imports. But, he may have put a tad bit too much, which was evidently seen by the aftermath of the handshake - which left a prominent imprint on the US Presidents hand. Despite losing UNSC seat, Maldives govt thanks India for support A day after Maldives failed to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, losing to&nbspIndonesia, the government of Maldives thanked the Indian government for supporting its candidature in the UNSC. PM Modi heads to China for SCO Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Pak interim PM reviews FATF requirements on terror financing Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk reviewed on Friday the measures taken by the country to meet the requirement of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force over terrorism financing.

Despite losing UNSC seat, Maldives govt thanks India for support

&nbsp;As countries around Southeast Asia struggle to cope with growing piles of plastic and other waste on land and in their waters, Singapore is one country in the region that appears to have things figured out.

Singapore's streets are glistening clean, its parks and beaches mostly free from the trash that plagues neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Almost all of Singapore's non-recyclable waste is incinerated, with the ash and some solid waste shipped to a man-made island nearby that doubles as a nature reserve.

But that solution looks as if it is running short on time.

The tip on Semakau island was supposed to meet Singapore's dumping needs until as late as 2045, according to environment ministry documents. But with the use of disposable products growing at a rapid rate, the ministry's most recent estimates show that Semakau could be full a decade earlier.

Plastics was the largest category of waste disposed of in Singapore last year - 763,400 tonnes - according to data from the National Environment Agency (NEA). Only 6 per cent of the 815,200 of plastic waste generated was recycled.

Analysis of the NEA data by Reuters shows that plastic waste per capita has increased nearly 20 per cent over the last 15 years.

A report by the local Straits Times newspaper in March said each person in Singapore threw away an average of 13 bags a day in 2016.

So far, the government has not adopted any bans or charges on plastic bags or single-use plastic items like straws and plates. It has also not disclosed any plans to replace the Semakau dump.

"More needs to be done to prolong the life of Semakau landfill beyond 2035," the NEA said in an email when asked about plans for the dump.

The agency said that recycling initiatives had helped stabilise the amount of trash sent for incineration, despite increases in waste generation caused by population and economic growth.

Southeast Asia is home to four of the world's top marine plastic polluters, a trend some think will be exacerbated by last year's waste import ban in China, which used to be the world's top destination for recyclable trash.

The recent death of a pilot whale in Thailand with 80 pieces of plastic rubbish in its stomach has also drawn global attention to the problem.

Singapore, which plays host to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year, is planning a special ministerial meeting on climate action in July.

But climate groups have urged the government of the wealthy city-state, which enjoys broad support from its electorate, to spend more political capital on tackling waste in a convenience culture where deliveries and take-out meals are common.

Singapore says it aims to become a "zero waste" nation, meaning it will eventually not send any waste to landfill. However, it has yet to set a date for achieving that goal.

The NEA said it was implementing initiatives aimed at increasing recycling rates and reducing waste at the source. These have included increasing the number of recycling bins and awareness campaigns.

It said Singapore was offering research grants for companies and organizations to develop sustainable waste management technologies and planned to make it mandatory for large generators of packaging waste to report the types and quantities they use and their reduction plans by 2021.

The local recycling industry has yet to feel the pinch of China's waste ban, the NEA said, adding that for now, it was still able to find overseas markets for recyclables.

Kim Stengert, chief communications officer for WWF Singapore, said the group would like to see Singapore adopt measures like mandatory charges for plastic bags or requiring firms to either pay for or participate in the collection and recycling of plastics.

Singapore's senior minister of state for the environment and water resources, Amy Khor, said in March that unlike other countries with mandatory plastic bag charges, Singapore incinerates plastic waste before putting it in landfills.

"We do not face the land and water pollution issues that plague those countries," she said. She added that plastic bags were "necessary for responsible and hygienic bagging of waste" in Singapore's hot and humid climate.

Neighbouring Malaysia has said it aims to introduce a nationwide ban on plastic bags within a year, while some local authorities in the Philippines already regulate their use.

"There is no rubbish piling up in the streets, so Singaporeans don't perceive a waste problem or feel personally responsible to reduce waste," said Sonny Ben Rosenthal, an academic who specialises in environmental issues at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University.

Plastic waste per capita has increased nearly 20 per cent over the last 15 years

As countries around Southeast Asia struggle to cope with growing piles of plastic and other waste on land and in their waters, Singapore is one country in the region that appears to have things figured out. Singapore's streets are glistening clean, its parks and beaches mostly free from the trash that plagues neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Almost all of Singapore's non-recyclable waste is incinerated, with the ash and some solid waste shipped to a man-made island nearby that doubles as a nature reserve. But that solution looks as if it is running short on time. The tip on Semakau island was supposed to meet Singapore's dumping needs until as late as 2045, according to environment ministry documents. But with the use of disposable products growing at a rapid rate, the ministry's most recent estimates show that Semakau could be full a decade earlier. Plastics was the largest category of waste disposed of in Singapore last year - 763,400 tonnes - according to data from the National Environment Agency (NEA). Only 6 per cent of the 815,200 of plastic waste generated was recycled. Analysis of the NEA data by Reuters shows that plastic waste per capita has increased nearly 20 per cent over the last 15 years. A report by the local Straits Times newspaper in March said each person in Singapore threw away an average of 13 bags a day in 2016. So far, the government has not adopted any bans or charges on plastic bags or single-use plastic items like straws and plates. It has also not disclosed any plans to replace the Semakau dump. "More needs to be done to prolong the life of Semakau landfill beyond 2035," the NEA said in an email when asked about plans for the dump. The agency said that recycling initiatives had helped stabilise the amount of trash sent for incineration, despite increases in waste generation caused by population and economic growth. Southeast Asia is home to four of the world's top marine plastic polluters, a trend some think will be exacerbated by last year's waste import ban in China, which used to be the world's top destination for recyclable trash. The recent death of a pilot whale in Thailand with 80 pieces of plastic rubbish in its stomach has also drawn global attention to the problem. Singapore, which plays host to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year, is planning a special ministerial meeting on climate action in July. But climate groups have urged the government of the wealthy city-state, which enjoys broad support from its electorate, to spend more political capital on tackling waste in a convenience culture where deliveries and take-out meals are common. Singapore says it aims to become a "zero waste" nation, meaning it will eventually not send any waste to landfill. However, it has yet to set a date for achieving that goal. The NEA said it was implementing initiatives aimed at increasing recycling rates and reducing waste at the source. These have included increasing the number of recycling bins and awareness campaigns. It said Singapore was offering research grants for companies and organizations to develop sustainable waste management technologies and planned to make it mandatory for large generators of packaging waste to report the types and quantities they use and their reduction plans by 2021. The local recycling industry has yet to feel the pinch of China's waste ban, the NEA said, adding that for now, it was still able to find overseas markets for recyclables. Kim Stengert, chief communications officer for WWF Singapore, said the group would like to see Singapore adopt measures like mandatory charges for plastic bags or requiring firms to either pay for or participate in the collection and recycling of plastics. Singapore's senior minister of state for the environment and water resources, Amy Khor, said in March that unlike other countries with mandatory plastic bag charges, Singapore incinerates plastic waste before putting it in landfills. "We do not face the land and water pollution issues that plague those countries," she said. She added that plastic bags were "necessary for responsible and hygienic bagging of waste" in Singapore's hot and humid climate. Neighbouring Malaysia has said it aims to introduce a nationwide ban on plastic bags within a year, while some local authorities in the Philippines already regulate their use. "There is no rubbish piling up in the streets, so Singaporeans don't perceive a waste problem or feel personally responsible to reduce waste," said Sonny Ben Rosenthal, an academic who specialises in environmental issues at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University.

In Singapore, where trash becomes ash, plastics are still a problem

PM Modi left for Malaysia today after completing his 2-day visit to Jakarta.

PM Modi concluded his visit after meeting with Indonesia's President Joko Widodo in Jakarta where the Indian prime minister a slew of MoUs between India and Indonesia.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur from Jakarta in Indonesia. <a href="https://t.co/9hZRSzTuZz">pic.twitter.com/9hZRSzTuZz</a>
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The PM had earlier addressed CEOs during a business visit and interacted with the Indian community.

The Indian prime minister is on a five-day tour to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

&nbsp

The Indian prime minister is on a five-day tour to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

PM Modi left for Malaysia today after completing his 2-day visit to Jakarta. PM Modi concluded his visit after meeting with Indonesia's President Joko Widodo in Jakarta where the Indian prime minister a slew of MoUs between India and Indonesia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur from Jakarta in Indonesia. pic.twitter.com/9hZRSzTuZz — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2018 × The PM had earlier addressed CEOs during a business visit and interacted with the Indian community. The Indian prime minister is on a five-day tour to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

After Indonesia, PM Modi leaves for Malaysia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/torrential-rain-hit-coastal-karnataka-causing-floods-no-relief-in-sight-even-today-140798">Torrential rain hits Mangalore, cause floods schools shut</a>

Coastal Karnataka's Mangalore city was ravaged by torrential rains on Tuesday resulting in floods in many areas. According to reports, coastal areas of Karnataka were hit by cyclone Mekunu on Tuesday triggering heavy rains.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-modi-visits-kalibata-war-cemetery-in-jakarta-140796">Live: PM Modi visits Kalibata war cemetery in Jakarta</a>

After paying tributes at the war cemetery, PM Modi was received at the presidential palace where he was officially welcomed during a ceremony attended by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. After taking salute, PM Modi interacted with kids waving the Indian flag.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-prices-finally-mellow-down-after-16-days-of-consecutive-hike-140787">Fuel prices finally mellow down after 16 days of consecutive hike</a>

After over a fortnight of continuous hike in fuel prices, petrol and diesel costs across the country saw minor reductions on Wednesday. In Delhi, petrol per litre came down by 60 paise amounting to Rs 77.83. For Mumbai and Kolkata the relief equalled to around 59 paise with petrol selling at Rs 85.65 and Rs 80.47 per litre respectively. In Chennai, petrol per litre costs Rs 80.80, around 63 paise short from Tuesday's rate.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-moves-to-finalize-china-trade-sanctions-140779">White House moves to finalize China trade sanctions</a>

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is moving to finalize trade sanctions against China even as a US delegation is set to travel to Beijing for talks to resolve the dispute.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/campaign-trail-again-trump-says-mexico-will-pay-for-the-wall-in-the-end-140788">Campaign trail again? Trump says Mexico will 'pay for the wall in the end'</a>

Trump who campaigned furiously for the Mexican wall during the presidential campaign said United States' neighbour will "pay for the wall in the end".

&nbsp

 
&nbsp

Torrential rain hits Mangalore, cause floods schools shut Coastal Karnataka's Mangalore city was ravaged by torrential rains on Tuesday resulting in floods in many areas. According to reports, coastal areas of Karnataka were hit by cyclone Mekunu on Tuesday triggering heavy rains. Live: PM Modi visits Kalibata war cemetery in Jakarta After paying tributes at the war cemetery, PM Modi was received at the presidential palace where he was officially welcomed during a ceremony attended by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. After taking salute, PM Modi interacted with kids waving the Indian flag. Fuel prices finally mellow down after 16 days of consecutive hike After over a fortnight of continuous hike in fuel prices, petrol and diesel costs across the country saw minor reductions on Wednesday. In Delhi, petrol per litre came down by 60 paise amounting to Rs 77.83. For Mumbai and Kolkata the relief equalled to around 59 paise with petrol selling at Rs 85.65 and Rs 80.47 per litre respectively. In Chennai, petrol per litre costs Rs 80.80, around 63 paise short from Tuesday's rate. White House moves to finalize China trade sanctions President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is moving to finalize trade sanctions against China even as a US delegation is set to travel to Beijing for talks to resolve the dispute. Campaign trail again? Trump says Mexico will 'pay for the wall in the end' Trump who campaigned furiously for the Mexican wall during the presidential campaign said United States' neighbour will "pay for the wall in the end".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-emerges-key-challenge-in-india-indonesia-strategic-partnership-pakistan-sidelined-140969">Terrorism emerges key challenge in India, Indonesia strategic partnership Pakistan sidelined</a>

Countering terrorism has emerged as a key common challenge in the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) between India and Indonesia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral visit to Indonesia. &nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/icici-bank-to-probe-allegations-against-ceo-chanda-kochhar-141004">ICICI Bank to probe allegations against CEO Chanda Kochhar</a>

ICICI Bank Ltd said on Wednesday it will institute an inquiry into the allegations raised by an anonymous whistleblower against Chief Executive Chanda Kochhar.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-you-resort-to-protest-for-each-and-everything-tamil-nadu-will-turn-into-cemetery-rajinikanth--141032">If you resort to protest for each and everything Tamil Nadu will turn into 'cemetery': Rajinikanth</a>

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Wednesday hit out at the anti-social elements in the recent anti-Sterlite protest and said that if you resort to protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into 'cemetery'.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-claims-assault-on-afghan-interior-ministry-1-policeman-killed--141034">Islamic State claims assault on Afghan interior ministry, 1 policeman killed</a>

The Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the attack on Afghanistan's Interior Ministry in Kabul, which killed one police officer and wounded five people.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-shooting-gunman-suspected-of-killing-another-person-on-eve-of-rampage-140968">Belgium shooting: 'Terrorist' attacker killed fourth person day before </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-shooting-gunman-suspected-of-killing-another-person-on-eve-of-rampage-140968">Liege</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-shooting-gunman-suspected-of-killing-another-person-on-eve-of-rampage-140968"> attack</a>

The man who killed two police officers and a civilian in Belgian city of Liege on Tuesday has been suspected of killing one other person on the eve of his rampage, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Terrorism emerges key challenge in India, Indonesia strategic partnership Pakistan sidelined Countering terrorism has emerged as a key common challenge in the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) between India and Indonesia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral visit to Indonesia. ICICI Bank to probe allegations against CEO Chanda Kochhar ICICI Bank Ltd said on Wednesday it will institute an inquiry into the allegations raised by an anonymous whistleblower against Chief Executive Chanda Kochhar. If you resort to protest for each and everything Tamil Nadu will turn into 'cemetery': Rajinikanth Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Wednesday hit out at the anti-social elements in the recent anti-Sterlite protest and said that if you resort to protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into 'cemetery'. Islamic State claims assault on Afghan interior ministry, 1 policeman killed The Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the attack on Afghanistan's Interior Ministry in Kabul, which killed one police officer and wounded five people. Belgium shooting: 'Terrorist' attacker killed fourth person day before Liege attack The man who killed two police officers and a civilian in Belgian city of Liege on Tuesday has been suspected of killing one other person on the eve of his rampage, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Countering terrorism has emerged as a key common challenge in the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) between India and Indonesia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral visit to Indonesia. &nbsp;

Both nations agreed to find common ground on&nbsp;the&nbsp;rise of religious identities, dynamic of pluralism and eradication of radicalism, terrorism and violent extremism. The two leaders reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism.

They also committed themselves to bringing to justice the perpetrators of heinous acts of terror.

In the context of Pakistan, the declaration to become all the more important as Comprehensive Strategic Partnership envisages disruption of terror networks and their finance channels with the halting of cross-border movement of terrorists from terror organisations.

Both Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo also called for expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in order to strengthen the existing International counter-terrorism legal framework.

To this effect, both India and Indonesia have also agreed to organise an inter-faith dialogue in Indonesia in early October 2018, which will be followed by a similar dialogue in 2019. Indonesia has largest Muslim population in the world. India too has a large Muslim minority population. Coming together of both the nations help India isolate Pakistan on world forums on the issue of terrorism.

To cement this bond both countries will commemorate 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both the countries. India and Indonesia through this bilateral have elevated their association from Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both nations have also committed themselves to notch up trading between them to 50 billion US dollars by 2025. &nbsp;CII too will also open its branch in Jakarta as part of larger comprehensive understanding.

Both nations committed themselves to build connectivity and encourage people to people contact. The leaders of both the nations also welcomed the plan to build connectivity between Andaman Nicobar-Aceh to unleash economic potentials of both areas.

Special emphasis was also laid on cultural connection and importance of tourism for both the countries.

Both India and Indonesia also reiterated their commitment to the rule-based system in the Indo-Pacific region which is reeling under Chinese military build-up. The document also outlined the concept freedom of navigation in the area.

Both nations agreed to find common ground on the rise of the religious identities, the dynamic of pluralism and to eradicate radicalism, terrorism and violent extremism.

Countering terrorism has emerged as a key common challenge in the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) between India and Indonesia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral visit to Indonesia. Both nations agreed to find common ground on the rise of religious identities, dynamic of pluralism and eradication of radicalism, terrorism and violent extremism. The two leaders reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism. They also committed themselves to bringing to justice the perpetrators of heinous acts of terror. In the context of Pakistan, the declaration to become all the more important as Comprehensive Strategic Partnership envisages disruption of terror networks and their finance channels with the halting of cross-border movement of terrorists from terror organisations. Both Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo also called for expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in order to strengthen the existing International counter-terrorism legal framework. To this effect, both India and Indonesia have also agreed to organise an inter-faith dialogue in Indonesia in early October 2018, which will be followed by a similar dialogue in 2019. Indonesia has largest Muslim population in the world. India too has a large Muslim minority population. Coming together of both the nations help India isolate Pakistan on world forums on the issue of terrorism. To cement this bond both countries will commemorate 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both the countries. India and Indonesia through this bilateral have elevated their association from Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both nations have also committed themselves to notch up trading between them to 50 billion US dollars by 2025. CII too will also open its branch in Jakarta as part of larger comprehensive understanding. Both nations committed themselves to build connectivity and encourage people to people contact. The leaders of both the nations also welcomed the plan to build connectivity between Andaman Nicobar-Aceh to unleash economic potentials of both areas. Special emphasis was also laid on cultural connection and importance of tourism for both the countries. Both India and Indonesia also reiterated their commitment to the rule-based system in the Indo-Pacific region which is reeling under Chinese military build-up. The document also outlined the concept freedom of navigation in the area.

Terrorism emerges key challenge in India, Indonesia strategic partnership; Pakistan sidelined

To the relief of the Indian diaspora in Indonesia, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has decided to look into the issue of non-availability of <a href="www.wionews.com/india-news/home-away-from-home-little-india-in-indonesia-140726">certain Indian snacks</a> and food items in Jakarta. Many Indians living in Jakarta told WION that Basmati rice, Indian tea and Bhujiya are not easily available in the city. Other Indian food items too run short from time to time. Indians in Jakarta say that this was not the case last year.

"We would be looking at the issue to remove all the impediments," Preeti Saran, Secretary, East told WION.

India's ambassador to Indonesia, Pradeep Rawat, added that availability of Indian condiments may differ from region to region. "This might not be the case in Sumatra. You will not hear this complaint on rice on that side," he said. Rawat emphasised that it can also be an issue of demand and supply. "Quarantine regimes come into effect from time to time, delaying the movement of goods which is not limited to Indonesia as it is a global phenomenon," he said.

He affirmed that Indian embassy in Indonesia has ministerial channels and dedicated working groups which take up such issues at regular intervals to the Indian community's satisfaction. 
&nbsp 
Saran added that trade ministers of both the countries would be meeting once a year and it would be incumbent upon the officials to look into all such issues. She also said that this issue is not specific to Indonesian diaspora. "Sometimes it also depends on the size of the community," she said.

The Secretary, East, added that the government is working towards liberalising the visa regime to facilitate greater people to people contact between India and Indonesia.

Many Indians also look forward to going to visiting their home country for medical treatment for want of better doctors and cheaper services. Medical services and medicine is expensive in Indonesia and India works far better for the diaspora as a cheap medical destination. 
&nbsp 
In context of Indian community's desire to access Indian educational institutions, Saran said, "We take it as a compliment and we will be happy to encourage such linkages."

Capturing Indian diaspora's mood in Indonesia

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The Indian government also said that it is working towards liberalising the visa regime to facilitate greater people to people contact between India and Indonesia.

To the relief of the Indian diaspora in Indonesia, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has decided to look into the issue of non-availability of certain Indian snacks and food items in Jakarta. Many Indians living in Jakarta told WION that Basmati rice, Indian tea and Bhujiya are not easily available in the city. Other Indian food items too run short from time to time. Indians in Jakarta say that this was not the case last year. "We would be looking at the issue to remove all the impediments," Preeti Saran, Secretary, East told WION. India's ambassador to Indonesia, Pradeep Rawat, added that availability of Indian condiments may differ from region to region. "This might not be the case in Sumatra. You will not hear this complaint on rice on that side," he said. Rawat emphasised that it can also be an issue of demand and supply. "Quarantine regimes come into effect from time to time, delaying the movement of goods which is not limited to Indonesia as it is a global phenomenon," he said. He affirmed that Indian embassy in Indonesia has ministerial channels and dedicated working groups which take up such issues at regular intervals to the Indian community's satisfaction. Saran added that trade ministers of both the countries would be meeting once a year and it would be incumbent upon the officials to look into all such issues. She also said that this issue is not specific to Indonesian diaspora. "Sometimes it also depends on the size of the community," she said. The Secretary, East, added that the government is working towards liberalising the visa regime to facilitate greater people to people contact between India and Indonesia. Many Indians also look forward to going to visiting their home country for medical treatment for want of better doctors and cheaper services. Medical services and medicine is expensive in Indonesia and India works far better for the diaspora as a cheap medical destination. In context of Indian community's desire to access Indian educational institutions, Saran said, "We take it as a compliment and we will be happy to encourage such linkages." Capturing Indian diaspora's mood in Indonesia ×

Indians say Bhujiya, Basmati rice not available in Jakarta, MEA says will look into it

Indonesia and India pledged on Wednesday to step up defense and maritime cooperation, with plans to develop a strategic Indonesian naval port in the Indian Ocean, the leaders of the two countries said after meeting in Jakarta.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss, among other issues, developing infrastructure and an economic zone at Sabang, on the tip of Sumatra island and at the mouth of the Malacca Strait, one of the busiest shipping channels for global trade.

“India is a strategic defense partner...and we will continue to advance our cooperation in developing infrastructure, including at Sabang Island and the Andaman Islands,” Widodo told a news conference after the meeting at the presidential palace.Analysts say the move comes amid concerns over China’s rising maritime influence in the region, and is part of Modi’s “Act East” policy of developing stronger ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Modi this year invited the leaders of all ten ASEAN nations to attend New Delhi’s Republic Day parade, the biggest such gathering of foreign leaders at the annual event.

There has been tension in Southeast Asia over the disputed South China Sea, a busy waterway claimed in most part by China.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have conflicting claims in the area, through which about $3 trillion worth of sea-borne goods passes every year.

While not a claimant, Indonesia has clashed with Beijing over fishing rights around the Natuna Islands and expanded its military presence there. It has also renamed the northern reaches of its exclusive economic zone, to reassert its sovereignty.

Modi, who is making his first trip to Indonesia, is also set to visit the Istiqlal mosque in the capital of the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country.

The Indian leader flies to Malaysia on Thursday to meet recently elected Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad before heading to neighboring Singapore to address a regional security forum, the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Last week, Indonesia’s chief maritime affairs minister, Luhut Pandjaitan, said the existing port at Sabang, which is 40 meters (131 ft) deep, could be developed to accommodate both commercial vessels and submarines, according to media.

Indonesia’s transport minister told reporters on Wednesday the Sabang would get a transshipment port that could be developed over two years.

Asked about Indian investment in Sabang, Indian foreign ministry official Preeti Saran said New Delhi was interested in helping build infrastructure across Southeast Asia.

“There have been discussions about building infrastructure, it’s not just seaports, but airports,” she said. “There would be a lot of interest among Indian companies.”

Widodo and Modi also signed pacts on cooperation in the pharmaceuticals and technology industries.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss, among other issues, developing infrastructure and an economic zone at Sabang

Indonesia and India pledged on Wednesday to step up defense and maritime cooperation, with plans to develop a strategic Indonesian naval port in the Indian Ocean, the leaders of the two countries said after meeting in Jakarta. Indonesian President Joko Widodo met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss, among other issues, developing infrastructure and an economic zone at Sabang, on the tip of Sumatra island and at the mouth of the Malacca Strait, one of the busiest shipping channels for global trade. “India is a strategic defense partner...and we will continue to advance our cooperation in developing infrastructure, including at Sabang Island and the Andaman Islands,” Widodo told a news conference after the meeting at the presidential palace.Analysts say the move comes amid concerns over China’s rising maritime influence in the region, and is part of Modi’s “Act East” policy of developing stronger ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Modi this year invited the leaders of all ten ASEAN nations to attend New Delhi’s Republic Day parade, the biggest such gathering of foreign leaders at the annual event. There has been tension in Southeast Asia over the disputed South China Sea, a busy waterway claimed in most part by China. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have conflicting claims in the area, through which about $3 trillion worth of sea-borne goods passes every year. While not a claimant, Indonesia has clashed with Beijing over fishing rights around the Natuna Islands and expanded its military presence there. It has also renamed the northern reaches of its exclusive economic zone, to reassert its sovereignty. Modi, who is making his first trip to Indonesia, is also set to visit the Istiqlal mosque in the capital of the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country. The Indian leader flies to Malaysia on Thursday to meet recently elected Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad before heading to neighboring Singapore to address a regional security forum, the Shangri-La Dialogue. Last week, Indonesia’s chief maritime affairs minister, Luhut Pandjaitan, said the existing port at Sabang, which is 40 meters (131 ft) deep, could be developed to accommodate both commercial vessels and submarines, according to media. Indonesia’s transport minister told reporters on Wednesday the Sabang would get a transshipment port that could be developed over two years. Asked about Indian investment in Sabang, Indian foreign ministry official Preeti Saran said New Delhi was interested in helping build infrastructure across Southeast Asia. “There have been discussions about building infrastructure, it’s not just seaports, but airports,” she said. “There would be a lot of interest among Indian companies.” Widodo and Modi also signed pacts on cooperation in the pharmaceuticals and technology industries.

Eye on China: Indonesia, India plan to develop strategic Indian Ocean port

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached&nbsp;Indonesia's Jakarta on Tuesday evening.This is PM Modi's first visit to Indonesia.

The Prime Minister is on&nbsp;a five-day visit to three countries - Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore.

The Prime Minister is looking forward to enhance India’s relations and engagements with all these three countries, which forms Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

On the first leg of his visit, Prime Minister is scheduled to hold detailed discussions with Indonesia President Joko Widodo in Jakarta.

He will also interact with Chief Executive Officers and the Indian community in Indonesia.

He is also scheduled to address the Indian gathering in Jakarta tomorrow at 4 pm local time.

It will be followed by a brief stopover at Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, where Prime Minister will congratulate the newly elected Prime Minister of Malaysia Dr&nbsp;Mahathir Mohammad.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indonesia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indonesia</a>'s Jakarta. He is on a 5-day visit to Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore. <a href="https://t.co/SCxPSpKLUV">pic.twitter.com/SCxPSpKLUV</a>
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The Prime Minister is on a five-day visit to three countries - Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Indonesia's Jakarta on Tuesday evening.This is PM Modi's first visit to Indonesia. The Prime Minister is on a five-day visit to three countries - Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore. The Prime Minister is looking forward to enhance India’s relations and engagements with all these three countries, which forms Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). On the first leg of his visit, Prime Minister is scheduled to hold detailed discussions with Indonesia President Joko Widodo in Jakarta. He will also interact with Chief Executive Officers and the Indian community in Indonesia. He is also scheduled to address the Indian gathering in Jakarta tomorrow at 4 pm local time. It will be followed by a brief stopover at Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, where Prime Minister will congratulate the newly elected Prime Minister of Malaysia Dr Mahathir Mohammad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in #Indonesia's Jakarta. He is on a 5-day visit to Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore. pic.twitter.com/SCxPSpKLUV — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2018 ×

PM Narendra Modi reaches Jakarta in Indonesia on first leg of 3-nation tour

Indonesia passed a new law&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;that will give police more power to take pre-emptive action against terror suspects in the wake of the country's deadliest Islamist attacks in years.

The bill had been stalled for almost two years as parliament wrangled over details, including how to define terrorism, but a wave of deadly suicide bombings this month hiked pressure on lawmakers to pass the legislation.

Police will now be allowed to detain terror suspects for as long as 21 days, up from the current one week, and they will now also be able to charge people for joining or recruiting for a "terrorist" organisation, at home or abroad.

Rights activists have expressed concerns that the bill's vague wording could open the door to a crackdown on any group seen as a threat.&nbsp;

This month, 13 people were killed in separate suicide attacks on churches and a police station by two families -- including a nine and 12-year-old girl -- in Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya.

The families had ties to a local extremist network that had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, which claimed the attacks.

A police officer was also killed in the subsequent attack on a police station in Sumatra days later.

Indonesia -- which is set to host the Asian Games&nbsp;in three months&nbsp;and an IMF-World Bank meeting in Bali in October -- has long struggled with Islamist militancy.

Its worst-ever attack was the 2002 Bali bombings that killed more than 200 people, including locals and foreign tourists.

Security forces have arrested hundreds of militants during a sustained crackdown since the Bali bombing and most attacks in recent years have been limited to low-level operations against domestic security forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But police have said they needed beefed-up terror laws to crack down on homegrown militancy.&nbsp;

In the wake of the Surabaya attacks, President Joko Widodo threatened to issue an emergency regulation if the parliament failed to pass the new law.

Police will now be allowed to detain terror suspects for as long as 21 days, up from the current one week

Indonesia passed a new law Friday that will give police more power to take pre-emptive action against terror suspects in the wake of the country's deadliest Islamist attacks in years. The bill had been stalled for almost two years as parliament wrangled over details, including how to define terrorism, but a wave of deadly suicide bombings this month hiked pressure on lawmakers to pass the legislation. Police will now be allowed to detain terror suspects for as long as 21 days, up from the current one week, and they will now also be able to charge people for joining or recruiting for a "terrorist" organisation, at home or abroad. Rights activists have expressed concerns that the bill's vague wording could open the door to a crackdown on any group seen as a threat. This month, 13 people were killed in separate suicide attacks on churches and a police station by two families -- including a nine and 12-year-old girl -- in Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya. The families had ties to a local extremist network that had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, which claimed the attacks. A police officer was also killed in the subsequent attack on a police station in Sumatra days later. Indonesia -- which is set to host the Asian Games in three months and an IMF-World Bank meeting in Bali in October -- has long struggled with Islamist militancy. Its worst-ever attack was the 2002 Bali bombings that killed more than 200 people, including locals and foreign tourists. Security forces have arrested hundreds of militants during a sustained crackdown since the Bali bombing and most attacks in recent years have been limited to low-level operations against domestic security forces. But police have said they needed beefed-up terror laws to crack down on homegrown militancy. In the wake of the Surabaya attacks, President Joko Widodo threatened to issue an emergency regulation if the parliament failed to pass the new law.

Indonesia passes tougher terror law after suicide attacks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a five-day visit on Tuesday to Indonesia and Singapore, two of India's strategically key partners in the region, with an aim to deepen defence ties, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Announcing the visit, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a raft of agreements including in areas of defence and security are expected to be inked during Modi's visit to these two countries, which are members of powerful regional grouping ASEAN.

India and Indonesia are likely to sign a pact on defence cooperation as a similar agreement inked years ago had expired.&nbsp

Secretary (East) in the MEA Preeti Saran said the prime minister will arrive in Indonesia on May 29 and will leave for Singapore from there on May 31 for a three-day visit.

In Singapore, Modi will hold bilateral talks with his Singaporean counterpart and deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-la dialogue which is expected to be attended by top leaders from several important countries.

Asked about Singapore's apparent reservations over formation of a quadrilateral coalition among India, the US, Australia and Japan, she said there has been a "deep sense" of appreciation among the ASEAN nations about New Delhi's views about peace and security in the region.

"We give primacy and importance to ASEAN's unity and ASEAN's centrality in the region," she said. Singapore is a key member country of the 10-nation ASEAN grouping with which India has been intensifying its defence and security ties.&nbsp

The US, Australia and several other leading powers have been favouring a greater role by India in the Indo-Pacific region where China has been flexing its military might.

About Modi's visit to Indonesia, Saran said the country is India's closest maritime neighbour and there will be discussions on ways to deepen maritime cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp

Earlier this year, both countries held their first security dialogue during which areas for boosting military cooperation were identified.

Asked whether Indonesia will give Indian navy ships access to deep-sea port in Sabang, Saran did not give a direct reply, but said discussions have been underway on enhancing overall connectivity and cooperation.

Boosting trade and enhancing connectivity will be another focus area of Modi's visit to Indonesia, which will be his first to the country as PM.

Saran said the prime minister's engagement in Jakarta will include his address at a gathering of Indian community and at a forum of top businessmen.&nbsp

He will also inaugurate a kite festival jointly organised by a leading Indonesian museum and Kite museum of Ahmedabad. The kite festival will depict common theme of Ramayana and Mahabharata, showcasing cultural links between the two countries.

On June 1, Modi will hold extensive talks with Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong besides addressing CEOs of top 20 companies of the country during which he is expected to highlight the reforms initiated by his government to boost the economy.

Saran said both the countries are likely to ink a number of pacts in the areas of defence, space and skill development.

In Singapore, the PM will attend a business and community event, will participate at an interaction with the president and board members of the Nanyang University, one of the premier educational institution globally, and inaugurate a plaque at a place where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed.&nbsp

In 1948, Gandhi's ashes were sent to various parts of India and the world, including Singapore.

A key highlight of Modi's visit to Singapore will be his address at the Shangri-La dialogue.&nbsp

Modi is the first Indian PM who has been invited to deliver key note address at the forum, said Saran, adding he is expected to delve into India's view on peace and security in the region.&nbsp

The prime minister is also likely to share his philosophy on 'Sagarmala', a project to develop a string of ports to strengthen maritime connectivity, during the keynote address.

On June 2, Modi is scheduled to visit Changi naval base. He will also visit an Indian ship which will be in Singapore as part of bilateral naval exchanges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a five-day visit on Tuesday to Indonesia and Singapore, two of India's strategically key partners in the region, with an aim to deepen defence ties, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a five-day visit on Tuesday to Indonesia and Singapore, two of India's strategically key partners in the region, with an aim to deepen defence ties, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Announcing the visit, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a raft of agreements including in areas of defence and security are expected to be inked during Modi's visit to these two countries, which are members of powerful regional grouping ASEAN. India and Indonesia are likely to sign a pact on defence cooperation as a similar agreement inked years ago had expired. Secretary (East) in the MEA Preeti Saran said the prime minister will arrive in Indonesia on May 29 and will leave for Singapore from there on May 31 for a three-day visit. In Singapore, Modi will hold bilateral talks with his Singaporean counterpart and deliver the keynote address at the Shangri-la dialogue which is expected to be attended by top leaders from several important countries. Asked about Singapore's apparent reservations over formation of a quadrilateral coalition among India, the US, Australia and Japan, she said there has been a "deep sense" of appreciation among the ASEAN nations about New Delhi's views about peace and security in the region. "We give primacy and importance to ASEAN's unity and ASEAN's centrality in the region," she said. Singapore is a key member country of the 10-nation ASEAN grouping with which India has been intensifying its defence and security ties. The US, Australia and several other leading powers have been favouring a greater role by India in the Indo-Pacific region where China has been flexing its military might. About Modi's visit to Indonesia, Saran said the country is India's closest maritime neighbour and there will be discussions on ways to deepen maritime cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Earlier this year, both countries held their first security dialogue during which areas for boosting military cooperation were identified. Asked whether Indonesia will give Indian navy ships access to deep-sea port in Sabang, Saran did not give a direct reply, but said discussions have been underway on enhancing overall connectivity and cooperation. Boosting trade and enhancing connectivity will be another focus area of Modi's visit to Indonesia, which will be his first to the country as PM. Saran said the prime minister's engagement in Jakarta will include his address at a gathering of Indian community and at a forum of top businessmen. He will also inaugurate a kite festival jointly organised by a leading Indonesian museum and Kite museum of Ahmedabad. The kite festival will depict common theme of Ramayana and Mahabharata, showcasing cultural links between the two countries. On June 1, Modi will hold extensive talks with Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong besides addressing CEOs of top 20 companies of the country during which he is expected to highlight the reforms initiated by his government to boost the economy. Saran said both the countries are likely to ink a number of pacts in the areas of defence, space and skill development. In Singapore, the PM will attend a business and community event, will participate at an interaction with the president and board members of the Nanyang University, one of the premier educational institution globally, and inaugurate a plaque at a place where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed. In 1948, Gandhi's ashes were sent to various parts of India and the world, including Singapore. A key highlight of Modi's visit to Singapore will be his address at the Shangri-La dialogue. Modi is the first Indian PM who has been invited to deliver key note address at the forum, said Saran, adding he is expected to delve into India's view on peace and security in the region. The prime minister is also likely to share his philosophy on 'Sagarmala', a project to develop a string of ports to strengthen maritime connectivity, during the keynote address. On June 2, Modi is scheduled to visit Changi naval base. He will also visit an Indian ship which will be in Singapore as part of bilateral naval exchanges.

Defence cooperation to be key focus of PM's visit to Indonesia, Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to travel to Indonesia on May 29 in his first ever visit to the country. The bilateral engagements between PM Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will take place on May 30&nbspand 31.

PM Modi will receive a Guard of Honor and will deliver press statements along with his Indonesian counterpart. He is also expected to visit Hero National Cemetery, national monuments and interact with the Indonesian business community. A permanent feature during most of his visit, the PM will also interact with the Indian diaspora. Both India and Indonesia will unveil a logo marking 70 years of diplomatic ties.&nbsp 
&nbsp 
The Prime Minister will also visit a Buddhist Temple. India and Indonesia are&nbspexpected to sign a MoU on the&nbsprenewal of defence cooperation, space and policy planning. 
&nbsp 
President of Indonesia Joko Widodo had visited India earlier this year and was one of the chief guests at the Republic Day event. During the visit, Widodo had appreciated India's support for the ASEAN-led mechanism included in the East Asia Summit (EAS).

President Widodo is expected to invite the key countries in the region to discuss the Indo-Pacific concept.

Interestingly, Indonesia was the&nbspsecond foreign destination of India's external affairs minister this year. Sushma Swaraj visited Indonesia in&nbspJanuary 2018 and co-chaired the 5th meeting of India-Indonesia Joint Commission. Indian and Indonesian ministers also inaugurated the second meeting of ASEAN-India Network of think tanks. 
&nbsp 
Indonesia is an important partner for India with respect to trade and strategic matters. In recent times, there has been intensive engagement between the two countries.&nbsp

Both India and Indonesia consider themselves as maritime neighbors. India's Andaman & Nicobar Islands border&nbspthe Aceh province of Indonesia. New Delhi and Jakarta have also been discussing connectivity plans including a cruise connectivity project. 
&nbsp

During the visit, India and Indonesia will sign a MoU on the renewal of defence cooperation, space and policy planning

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to travel to Indonesia on May 29 in his first ever visit to the country. The bilateral engagements between PM Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will take place on May 30&nbspand 31. PM Modi will receive a Guard of Honor and will deliver press statements along with his Indonesian counterpart. He is also expected to visit Hero National Cemetery, national monuments and interact with the Indonesian business community. A permanent feature during most of his visit, the PM will also interact with the Indian diaspora. Both India and Indonesia will unveil a logo marking 70 years of diplomatic ties. The Prime Minister will also visit a Buddhist Temple. India and Indonesia are&nbspexpected to sign a MoU on the&nbsprenewal of defence cooperation, space and policy planning. President of Indonesia Joko Widodo had visited India earlier this year and was one of the chief guests at the Republic Day event. During the visit, Widodo had appreciated India's support for the ASEAN-led mechanism included in the East Asia Summit (EAS). President Widodo is expected to invite the key countries in the region to discuss the Indo-Pacific concept. Interestingly, Indonesia was the&nbspsecond foreign destination of India's external affairs minister this year. Sushma Swaraj visited Indonesia in&nbspJanuary 2018 and co-chaired the 5th meeting of India-Indonesia Joint Commission. Indian and Indonesian ministers also inaugurated the second meeting of ASEAN-India Network of think tanks. Indonesia is an important partner for India with respect to trade and strategic matters. In recent times, there has been intensive engagement between the two countries. Both India and Indonesia consider themselves as maritime neighbors. India's Andaman & Nicobar Islands border&nbspthe Aceh province of Indonesia. New Delhi and Jakarta have also been discussing connectivity plans including a cruise connectivity project.

PM Modi to visit Indonesia on May 29 to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties

Two vehicles exploded killing seven people and injuring several Indonesian police in Surabaya on Monday (May 14), a day after Islamist militants killed at least 13 people in suicide attacks on churches in the country's second largest city, police said.

The blast had occurred at 8.50 am&nbsp;(0150 GMT) at their police office, East Java police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera told a briefing. The full extent of casualties was unclear, he said.

Citing CCTV footage from the scene, East Java Police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera said a man and a woman on the bike stopped at the security checkpoint.

"That's where the explosion happened," he added. 
 
"Two people were riding (on the motorcycle) and a woman was sitting at the back."

The authorities said the wounded included six civilians and four police. 
 
Ambulances and the bomb squad descended on the chaotic scene with the CCTV images showed the mangled wreckage of a motorbike at the security gate at the headquarters in the heart of the city. 
 
There was no immediate claim of responsibility after the latest suicide bombing. 
 
"This is a cowardly act, undignified and inhumane," Indonesian President Joko Widodo told reporters in Jakarta. 
 
"There will be no compromise in taking action on the ground to stop terrorism."

Indonesia has had some major successes tackling militancy inspired by al Qaeda's attacks on the United States in 2001. But there has been a resurgence of Islamist attacks in recent years, including in January 2016 when four suicide bombers and gunmen attacked a shopping area in central Jakarta.

The blast had occurred at 8.50 am (0150 GMT) at their police office, East Java police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera told a briefing

Two vehicles exploded killing seven people and injuring several Indonesian police in Surabaya on Monday (May 14), a day after Islamist militants killed at least 13 people in suicide attacks on churches in the country's second largest city, police said. The blast had occurred at 8.50 am (0150 GMT) at their police office, East Java police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera told a briefing. The full extent of casualties was unclear, he said. Citing CCTV footage from the scene, East Java Police spokesman Frans Barung Mangera said a man and a woman on the bike stopped at the security checkpoint. "That's where the explosion happened," he added. "Two people were riding (on the motorcycle) and a woman was sitting at the back." The authorities said the wounded included six civilians and four police. Ambulances and the bomb squad descended on the chaotic scene with the CCTV images showed the mangled wreckage of a motorbike at the security gate at the headquarters in the heart of the city. There was no immediate claim of responsibility after the latest suicide bombing. "This is a cowardly act, undignified and inhumane," Indonesian President Joko Widodo told reporters in Jakarta. "There will be no compromise in taking action on the ground to stop terrorism." Indonesia has had some major successes tackling militancy inspired by al Qaeda's attacks on the United States in 2001. But there has been a resurgence of Islamist attacks in recent years, including in January 2016 when four suicide bombers and gunmen attacked a shopping area in central Jakarta.

Indonesia: Suicide bombers attack Surabaya police headquarters, 7 dead

A family of five, including a child, carried out the suicide bombing of a police headquarters in Indonesia's second city Surabaya on Monday, police said, a day after a deadly wave of attacks on churches staged by another family.

The spate of bombings has rocked Indonesia, with the Islamic State group claiming the church attacks and raising fears about its influence in Southeast Asia as its dreams of a Middle Eastern caliphate fade.

Indonesia, which is set to host the Asian Games in just three months, has long struggled with Islamist militancy, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed over 200 people -- mostly foreign tourists -- in the country's worst-ever terror attack.

Security forces have arrested hundreds of militants during a sustained crackdown that smashed some networks, and most recent attacks have been low-level and targeted domestic security forces.

But that changed Sunday as a family of six -- including girls aged nine and 12 -- staged suicide bombings of three churches during morning services in Surabaya, killing 18 including the bombers.

On Monday members of another family blew themselves up at a police station in the city, wounding 10.

"There were five people on two motorbikes. One of them was a little kid," national police chief Tito Karnavian said. "This is one family."

An eight-year-old girl from the family survived the attack and was taken to hospital, while her mother, father and two brothers died in the blast, he said.

The children were likely led to their deaths without a full awareness of their fate, said Ade Banani, of the University of Indonesia’s research centre of police science and terrorism studies.

If a family believed in traditional roles, the father "has the power, so everyone has to obey", Banani said.

"The children probably don't know what's going on or don't understand."

The father of the church suicide bombers was a local leader in extremist network Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) which supports IS, and the second family was also linked to JAD.

"It ordered and gave instructions for its cells to make a move," Karnavian said of the Islamic State's role in the church attacks.

He added that the bombings may have also been motivated by the arrest of JAD leaders, including jailed radical Aman Abdurrahman, and were linked to a deadly prison riot staged by Islamist prisoners at a high-security jail near Jakarta last week.

Abdurrahman has been connected to several deadly incidents, including a 2016 gun and suicide attack in the capital Jakarta that left four attackers and four civilians dead.

Despite their apparent allegiance to IS, the church-bombing family were not returnees from Syria, police said Monday, correcting their earlier statements.

However, hundreds of Indonesians have flocked in recent years to fight alongside IS there.

Its ambitions have been reined in after losing most of the land it once occupied in Iraq and Syria, and there are concerns that jihadists will now turn their focus on establishing a base in Southeast Asia.

Increasingly proficient

On Sunday evening, just hours after the church bombings, a further three people in another family were killed and two wounded when another bomb exploded at an apartment complex about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from Surabaya.

That explosion appeared to have been an accidental detonation that killed a mother and her 17-year-old child who was not identified.&nbsp

The woman's husband -- a confidante of the husband behind the church bombings, Dita Oepriyanto -- was badly injured in the explosion.&nbsp

Police said they arrived after the explosion and shot dead the injured man, Anton Febrianto, as he held a bomb detonator in his hand.

"When we searched the flat we found pipe bombs, similar to pipe bombs we found near the churches," said Karnavian.

Police said they also shot dead four suspects, including the second-ranking member of the JAD cell in Surabaya, in raids on houses and offices Monday while nine others were arrested.

Indonesian police have foiled numerous terror plots, but the coordinated nature of Sunday's church bombings and the subsequent blasts point to more sophisticated planning than in the past, analysts said.

"There is definitely a growing technical proficiency," said Zachary Abuza, the Southeast Asian security expert at the National War College in Washington.

"To pull off three near-simultaneous bombings is the hallmark of a group that is thinking."

Abuza questioned the police suggestion that the attacks were ordered by the IS leadership abroad, but said it would likely boost its presence in Southeast Asia as it fades elsewhere.

"(They're) going to continue to benefit from operating transnationally in Southeast Asia," he said.

The spate of bombings has rocked Indonesia, with the Islamic State group claiming the church attacks and raising fears about its influence in Southeast Asia as its dreams of a Middle Eastern caliphate fade

A family of five, including a child, carried out the suicide bombing of a police headquarters in Indonesia's second city Surabaya on Monday, police said, a day after a deadly wave of attacks on churches staged by another family. The spate of bombings has rocked Indonesia, with the Islamic State group claiming the church attacks and raising fears about its influence in Southeast Asia as its dreams of a Middle Eastern caliphate fade. Indonesia, which is set to host the Asian Games in just three months, has long struggled with Islamist militancy, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed over 200 people -- mostly foreign tourists -- in the country's worst-ever terror attack. Security forces have arrested hundreds of militants during a sustained crackdown that smashed some networks, and most recent attacks have been low-level and targeted domestic security forces. But that changed Sunday as a family of six -- including girls aged nine and 12 -- staged suicide bombings of three churches during morning services in Surabaya, killing 18 including the bombers. On Monday members of another family blew themselves up at a police station in the city, wounding 10. "There were five people on two motorbikes. One of them was a little kid," national police chief Tito Karnavian said. "This is one family." An eight-year-old girl from the family survived the attack and was taken to hospital, while her mother, father and two brothers died in the blast, he said. The children were likely led to their deaths without a full awareness of their fate, said Ade Banani, of the University of Indonesia’s research centre of police science and terrorism studies. If a family believed in traditional roles, the father "has the power, so everyone has to obey", Banani said. "The children probably don't know what's going on or don't understand." The father of the church suicide bombers was a local leader in extremist network Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) which supports IS, and the second family was also linked to JAD. "It ordered and gave instructions for its cells to make a move," Karnavian said of the Islamic State's role in the church attacks. He added that the bombings may have also been motivated by the arrest of JAD leaders, including jailed radical Aman Abdurrahman, and were linked to a deadly prison riot staged by Islamist prisoners at a high-security jail near Jakarta last week. Abdurrahman has been connected to several deadly incidents, including a 2016 gun and suicide attack in the capital Jakarta that left four attackers and four civilians dead. Despite their apparent allegiance to IS, the church-bombing family were not returnees from Syria, police said Monday, correcting their earlier statements. However, hundreds of Indonesians have flocked in recent years to fight alongside IS there. Its ambitions have been reined in after losing most of the land it once occupied in Iraq and Syria, and there are concerns that jihadists will now turn their focus on establishing a base in Southeast Asia. Increasingly proficient On Sunday evening, just hours after the church bombings, a further three people in another family were killed and two wounded when another bomb exploded at an apartment complex about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from Surabaya. That explosion appeared to have been an accidental detonation that killed a mother and her 17-year-old child who was not identified. The woman's husband -- a confidante of the husband behind the church bombings, Dita Oepriyanto -- was badly injured in the explosion. Police said they arrived after the explosion and shot dead the injured man, Anton Febrianto, as he held a bomb detonator in his hand. "When we searched the flat we found pipe bombs, similar to pipe bombs we found near the churches," said Karnavian. Police said they also shot dead four suspects, including the second-ranking member of the JAD cell in Surabaya, in raids on houses and offices Monday while nine others were arrested. Indonesian police have foiled numerous terror plots, but the coordinated nature of Sunday's church bombings and the subsequent blasts point to more sophisticated planning than in the past, analysts said. "There is definitely a growing technical proficiency," said Zachary Abuza, the Southeast Asian security expert at the National War College in Washington. "To pull off three near-simultaneous bombings is the hallmark of a group that is thinking." Abuza questioned the police suggestion that the attacks were ordered by the IS leadership abroad, but said it would likely boost its presence in Southeast Asia as it fades elsewhere. "(They're) going to continue to benefit from operating transnationally in Southeast Asia," he said.

Two families staged Indonesian suicide bombings: Police

A family of five, including a child, carried out the suicide bombing at a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/suicide-bombers-blow-themselves-up-at-indonesia-police-headquarters-several-wounded--136635">police headquarters </a>in Indonesia's second city Surabaya today, police said, a day after a deadly wave of attacks on churches staged by another family.

The family, riding on two motorbikes, blew themselves up at a checkpoint outside the police station, Police Chief Tito Karnavian told a news conference. The young child survived and is now recovering, he said.

"There were five people on two motorbikes. One of them was a little kid," national police chief Tito Karnavian said. "This is one family." An eight-year-old girl from the family survived the attack and was taken to hospital, while her mother, father and two brothers died in the blast, he said.

Another 10 people were wounded in the attack including civilians and police officers.

Ambulances and the bomb squad descended on the chaotic scene with the CCTV images showed the mangled wreckage of a motorbike at the security gate at the headquarters in the heart of the city.

Separately on Sunday, three members of another family were killed when homemade bombs exploded at an apartment in Sidoarjo, a town bordering Surabaya, police say.

Indonesia’s president condemned Sunday’s attacks as “barbaric.”

IS claimed responsibility for the church attacks in a statement carried by its Aamaq news agency. It didn’t mention anything about families or children taking part and said there were only three attackers.

Police said the family, riding on two motorbikes, blew themselves up at a checkpoint outside the police station

A family of five, including a child, carried out the suicide bombing at a police headquarters in Indonesia's second city Surabaya today, police said, a day after a deadly wave of attacks on churches staged by another family. The family, riding on two motorbikes, blew themselves up at a checkpoint outside the police station, Police Chief Tito Karnavian told a news conference. The young child survived and is now recovering, he said. "There were five people on two motorbikes. One of them was a little kid," national police chief Tito Karnavian said. "This is one family." An eight-year-old girl from the family survived the attack and was taken to hospital, while her mother, father and two brothers died in the blast, he said. Another 10 people were wounded in the attack including civilians and police officers. Ambulances and the bomb squad descended on the chaotic scene with the CCTV images showed the mangled wreckage of a motorbike at the security gate at the headquarters in the heart of the city. Separately on Sunday, three members of another family were killed when homemade bombs exploded at an apartment in Sidoarjo, a town bordering Surabaya, police say. Indonesia’s president condemned Sunday’s attacks as “barbaric.” IS claimed responsibility for the church attacks in a statement carried by its Aamaq news agency. It didn’t mention anything about families or children taking part and said there were only three attackers.

Suicide bomb attack on Indonesian police HQ carried out by family, including 1 child: Police

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419">Exit poll: Hung assembly likely in Karnataka, BJP has </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419">slight</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419"> edge</a>

The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433">One dead, 4 injured after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433">knife</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433"> attack in Paris. Islamic State claims responsibility</a>

A knifeman shouting "Allahu akbar" was shot dead by police in central Paris late Saturday after he killed one person and injured four, prompting a terror probe.

The attack took place near the city's main opera house in an area full of bars, restaurants and theatres which were brimming on a weekend night.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-at-least-two-dead-13-injured-after-bomb-attacks-on-churches-136435">Indonesia: At least two dead, 13 injured after bomb attacks on churches</a>

At least two people have been killed and 13 injured, AFP reported Sunday, in bomb attacks on churches in Indonesia.&nbsp;

The attacks took place in Surabaya, the country's second-biggest city.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">Pakistan stops US diplomat involved in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">accident</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437"> from leaving </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">country</a>

A US diplomat involved in a fatal road accident in Pakistan was not allowed to leave the country Saturday, officials said, a day after Islamabad imposed "reciprocal" restrictions on the movement of American envoys after Washington took similar measures.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/very-smart-and-gracious-gesture-trump-thanks-north-korea-for-promising-to-destroy-nuclear-test-site-136434">'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to destroy nuclear test site</a>

US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to destroy its nuclear test site.&nbsp;

North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site.&nbsp;

Read the five big stories of the day here

Exit poll: Hung assembly likely in Karnataka, BJP has slight edge The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2. One dead, 4 injured after knife attack in Paris. Islamic State claims responsibility A knifeman shouting "Allahu akbar" was shot dead by police in central Paris late Saturday after he killed one person and injured four, prompting a terror probe. The attack took place near the city's main opera house in an area full of bars, restaurants and theatres which were brimming on a weekend night. Indonesia: At least two dead, 13 injured after bomb attacks on churches At least two people have been killed and 13 injured, AFP reported Sunday, in bomb attacks on churches in Indonesia. The attacks took place in Surabaya, the country's second-biggest city. Pakistan stops US diplomat involved in accident from leaving country A US diplomat involved in a fatal road accident in Pakistan was not allowed to leave the country Saturday, officials said, a day after Islamabad imposed "reciprocal" restrictions on the movement of American envoys after Washington took similar measures. 'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to destroy nuclear test site US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to destroy its nuclear test site. North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site.

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