Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for reinforcements in a desperate search for survivors of a devastating earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi island, as the official death toll rose above 1,200 on Tuesday and looting fuelled fears of lawlessness.

Officials fear the toll could soar, as most of the confirmed dead had come from Palu, a small city 1,500 km (930 miles) northeast of Jakarta, while some remote areas have been cut off since Friday's 7.5 magnitude quake triggered tsunami waves.

"There are some main priorities that we must tackle and the first is to evacuate, find and save victims who've not yet been found," Widodo told a government meeting to coordinate disaster recovery efforts on the west coast of Sulawesi.

He said he had ordered the national search and rescue agency to send more police and soldiers into the affected districts, some cut off by destroyed roads, landslides and downed bridges.

The official death toll surged to 1,234, the national disaster agency said. Nearly 800 were seriously injured.

The Red Cross said the situation was "nightmarish" and reports from its workers venturing into one cut-off area, Donggala, a region of 300,000 people north of Palu and close to the epicentre, indicated it had been hit "extremely hard".

A video of Donggala, broadcast by the Antara state news agency, showed widespread destruction, including flattened buildings and a ship that had been hurled into port buildings by the tsunami.

"What we need is food, water, medicine, but to up now we’ve got nothing," said an unidentified man standing in ruins.

Four badly hit districts of Sulawesi, one of the archipelago nations five main islands, have a combined population of about 1.4 million.

In Palu, tsunami waves as high as six metres (20 feet) smashed into the beachfront, while hotels and shopping malls collapsed in ruins. Some neighbourhoods were swallowed up by ground liquefaction, which happens when soil shaken by an earthquake behaves like a liquid.

About 1,700 houses in one neighbourhood have disappeared beneath the mud, with hundreds of people believed buried, the national disaster agency said.

Before-and-after satellite pictures show a largely built-up neighbourhood just south of Palu's airport seemingly wiped clean of all signs of life by liquefaction.

Among those killed were 34 children at a Christian bible study camp, a Red Cross official said.

Leaving and looting

More than 65,000 homes were damaged and more than 60,000 people have been displaced and are in need of emergency help.

Thousands of people have been streaming out of stricken areas. Commercial airlines have struggled to restore operations at Palu's damaged airport but military aircraft have taken some survivors out. Many more want to leave.

Authorities have said a navy vessel capable of taking 1,000 people at a time would help with the evacuation.

The government has ordered aid supplies to be airlifted in but there's little sign of help on Palu's shattered streets and survivors appeared increasingly desperate.

A Reuters news team saw a shop cleared by about 100 people, shouting, scrambling and fighting each other for items including clothes, toiletries, blankets and water.

Many people grabbed diapers while one man clutched a rice cooker as he headed for the door. Non-essential goods were scattered on the floor amid shards of broken glass.

At least 20 police were at the scene but did not intervene. The government has played down fears of looting saying disaster victims could take essential goods and shops would be compensated later.

Indonesia is all too familiar with earthquakes and tsunamis. A quake in 2004 triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean that killed 226,000 people in 13 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia.

It has said it would accept offers of international aid, having shunned outside help earlier this year when an earthquake struck the island of Lombok.

State port operator Pelindo IV said a ship carrying 50 tonnes of supplies including rice, eggs, noodles, mineral water and baby milk had arrived in Palu on Monday. It was unclear if the aid had been distributed.

'Buried fast'

Power has yet to be restored and aftershocks have rattled jangled nerves. But rescuers in Palu held out hope they could still save lives.

"We suspect there are still some survivors trapped inside," the head of one rescue team, Agus Haryono, told Reuters at the collapsed seven-storey Hotel Roa Roa as he pored over its blueprints.

About 50 people were believed to have been caught inside the hotel when it was brought down. About nine bodies have been recovered from the ruins and three rescued alive.

Elsewhere, on the outskirts of Palu, lorries brought 54 bodies to a mass grave dug in sandy soil.

Most of the bodies had not been claimed, a policeman said, but some relatives came to pay respects to loved ones at the 50-metre (165 ft) trench.

Rosmawati Binti Yahya, 52, was still looking for her missing daughter. But her husband was among the victims laid in the grave.

"It's OK if he's buried in the mass grave, it's better to have him buried fast," she said, as the stench from decomposing bodies filled the air.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for reinforcements in a desperate search for survivors of a devastating earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi island, as the official death toll rose above 1,200 on Tuesday and looting fuelled fears of lawlessness.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for reinforcements in a desperate search for survivors of a devastating earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi island, as the official death toll rose above 1,200 on Tuesday and looting fuelled fears of lawlessness. Officials fear the toll could soar, as most of the confirmed dead had come from Palu, a small city 1,500 km (930 miles) northeast of Jakarta, while some remote areas have been cut off since Friday's 7.5 magnitude quake triggered tsunami waves. "There are some main priorities that we must tackle and the first is to evacuate, find and save victims who've not yet been found," Widodo told a government meeting to coordinate disaster recovery efforts on the west coast of Sulawesi. He said he had ordered the national search and rescue agency to send more police and soldiers into the affected districts, some cut off by destroyed roads, landslides and downed bridges. The official death toll surged to 1,234, the national disaster agency said. Nearly 800 were seriously injured. The Red Cross said the situation was "nightmarish" and reports from its workers venturing into one cut-off area, Donggala, a region of 300,000 people north of Palu and close to the epicentre, indicated it had been hit "extremely hard". A video of Donggala, broadcast by the Antara state news agency, showed widespread destruction, including flattened buildings and a ship that had been hurled into port buildings by the tsunami. "What we need is food, water, medicine, but to up now we’ve got nothing," said an unidentified man standing in ruins. Four badly hit districts of Sulawesi, one of the archipelago nations five main islands, have a combined population of about 1.4 million. In Palu, tsunami waves as high as six metres (20 feet) smashed into the beachfront, while hotels and shopping malls collapsed in ruins. Some neighbourhoods were swallowed up by ground liquefaction, which happens when soil shaken by an earthquake behaves like a liquid. About 1,700 houses in one neighbourhood have disappeared beneath the mud, with hundreds of people believed buried, the national disaster agency said. Before-and-after satellite pictures show a largely built-up neighbourhood just south of Palu's airport seemingly wiped clean of all signs of life by liquefaction. Among those killed were 34 children at a Christian bible study camp, a Red Cross official said. Leaving and looting More than 65,000 homes were damaged and more than 60,000 people have been displaced and are in need of emergency help. Thousands of people have been streaming out of stricken areas. Commercial airlines have struggled to restore operations at Palu's damaged airport but military aircraft have taken some survivors out. Many more want to leave. Authorities have said a navy vessel capable of taking 1,000 people at a time would help with the evacuation. The government has ordered aid supplies to be airlifted in but there's little sign of help on Palu's shattered streets and survivors appeared increasingly desperate. A Reuters news team saw a shop cleared by about 100 people, shouting, scrambling and fighting each other for items including clothes, toiletries, blankets and water. Many people grabbed diapers while one man clutched a rice cooker as he headed for the door. Non-essential goods were scattered on the floor amid shards of broken glass. At least 20 police were at the scene but did not intervene. The government has played down fears of looting saying disaster victims could take essential goods and shops would be compensated later. Indonesia is all too familiar with earthquakes and tsunamis. A quake in 2004 triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean that killed 226,000 people in 13 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia. It has said it would accept offers of international aid, having shunned outside help earlier this year when an earthquake struck the island of Lombok. State port operator Pelindo IV said a ship carrying 50 tonnes of supplies including rice, eggs, noodles, mineral water and baby milk had arrived in Palu on Monday. It was unclear if the aid had been distributed. 'Buried fast' Power has yet to be restored and aftershocks have rattled jangled nerves. But rescuers in Palu held out hope they could still save lives. "We suspect there are still some survivors trapped inside," the head of one rescue team, Agus Haryono, told Reuters at the collapsed seven-storey Hotel Roa Roa as he pored over its blueprints. About 50 people were believed to have been caught inside the hotel when it was brought down. About nine bodies have been recovered from the ruins and three rescued alive. Elsewhere, on the outskirts of Palu, lorries brought 54 bodies to a mass grave dug in sandy soil. Most of the bodies had not been claimed, a policeman said, but some relatives came to pay respects to loved ones at the 50-metre (165 ft) trench. Rosmawati Binti Yahya, 52, was still looking for her missing daughter. But her husband was among the victims laid in the grave. "It's OK if he's buried in the mass grave, it's better to have him buried fast," she said, as the stench from decomposing bodies filled the air.

Indonesia steps up hunt for survivors as quake toll passes 1,200

Indonesian authorities on Tuesday raised the death toll to 1,234 for the 7.5-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Sulawesi island on September 28. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesperson for the National Agency for Disaster Management, said at a press conference in Jakarta that 799 people with serious injuries have been admitted to different hospitals.

He added that 26 countries and two international organizations have offered assistance, but did not provide details on the NGOs that are working in the rescue operations and medical services on the ground.

Authorities raised the death toll on Tuesday after rescue teams were able to enter the areas that had been inaccessible since a 6.1-magnitude tremor struck the region on Sep 28, killing one person and wounding 20, followed by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake and the tsunami.

Sutopo said that there are still areas in the central region of Sulawesi that are difficult to access. Colonel Muhammad Thohir of the Indonesian Army said there are some areas that rescuers still cannot reach such as some districts in Donggala where authorities need to send aid via helicopter.

Palu is the capital of the province of Central Sulawesi with a population of about 350,000. It is located near Donggala district, which has a population of about 277,000. These areas are most affected by the disaster.

Col Thohir said gasoline and water supplies are being transported to the island, but they are still insufficient for the tens of thousands of affected people. Authorities are also working to restore electricity and telecommunications services as well as to reopen affected roads on the island.

According to the Indonesian authorities, priorities include sending food to those in need, conducting mass burials of victims and guaranteeing the security of the airport, which is expected to start receiving commercial flights on Wednesday.

On Lombok, at least 557 people died and over 400,000 were displaced by earthquakes between magnitude-6.3 and 6.9 that shook the island between July 29 and August 19. Indonesia sits on the so-called Ring of Fire of the Pacific, an area of great seismic and volcanic activity in which each year there are about 7,000 earthquakes, mostly moderate.

Indonesian authorities on Tuesday raised the death toll to 1,234 for the 7.5-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Sulawesi island on September 28.

Indonesian authorities on Tuesday raised the death toll to 1,234 for the 7.5-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Sulawesi island on September 28. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesperson for the National Agency for Disaster Management, said at a press conference in Jakarta that 799 people with serious injuries have been admitted to different hospitals. He added that 26 countries and two international organizations have offered assistance, but did not provide details on the NGOs that are working in the rescue operations and medical services on the ground. Authorities raised the death toll on Tuesday after rescue teams were able to enter the areas that had been inaccessible since a 6.1-magnitude tremor struck the region on Sep 28, killing one person and wounding 20, followed by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake and the tsunami. Sutopo said that there are still areas in the central region of Sulawesi that are difficult to access. Colonel Muhammad Thohir of the Indonesian Army said there are some areas that rescuers still cannot reach such as some districts in Donggala where authorities need to send aid via helicopter. Palu is the capital of the province of Central Sulawesi with a population of about 350,000. It is located near Donggala district, which has a population of about 277,000. These areas are most affected by the disaster. Col Thohir said gasoline and water supplies are being transported to the island, but they are still insufficient for the tens of thousands of affected people. Authorities are also working to restore electricity and telecommunications services as well as to reopen affected roads on the island. According to the Indonesian authorities, priorities include sending food to those in need, conducting mass burials of victims and guaranteeing the security of the airport, which is expected to start receiving commercial flights on Wednesday. On Lombok, at least 557 people died and over 400,000 were displaced by earthquakes between magnitude-6.3 and 6.9 that shook the island between July 29 and August 19. Indonesia sits on the so-called Ring of Fire of the Pacific, an area of great seismic and volcanic activity in which each year there are about 7,000 earthquakes, mostly moderate.

Watch: Satellite images reveal Indonesia's Sulawesi Island after earthquake, tsunami

Satellite images reveal Indonesia's Sulawesi Island after earthquake, tsunami

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday called up Indonesian President Joko Widodo and offered assistance to the tsunami-hit country.

Modi offered condolences on the loss of lives in the recent earthquake and tsunami that hit the Sulawesi region of Indonesia, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.&nbsp;

The PM appreciated the resilience and courage of the people of Indonesia in facing the challenges emanating from the wide spread devastation due to the grave natural calamity, it said.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with the President of Indonesia Joko Widodo today offering condolences on his behalf and on behalf of the people of India on the loss of lives in the recent earthquake &amp; tsunami that hit Sulawesi region of Indonesia. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/F49kdmt6GT">pic.twitter.com/F49kdmt6GT</a>
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In response to Indonesia's appeal for international aid, the Prime Minister offered to Widodo all possible assistance from India as a maritime neighbour and as a friend of Indonesia.&nbsp;

The two leaders agreed that the details of India's relief assistance will be worked out through diplomatic and official channels.&nbsp;

The massive 7.5-magnitude tremor struck Friday and sent monster waves barrelling into the island of Sulawesi, leaving at least 844 dead in the seaside city of Palu and surrounding areas.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday called up Indonesian President Joko Widodo and offered assistance to the tsunami-hit country. Modi offered condolences on the loss of lives in the recent earthquake and tsunami that hit the Sulawesi region of Indonesia, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday called up Indonesian President Joko Widodo and offered assistance to the tsunami-hit country. Modi offered condolences on the loss of lives in the recent earthquake and tsunami that hit the Sulawesi region of Indonesia, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. The PM appreciated the resilience and courage of the people of Indonesia in facing the challenges emanating from the wide spread devastation due to the grave natural calamity, it said. PM Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with the President of Indonesia Joko Widodo today offering condolences on his behalf and on behalf of the people of India on the loss of lives in the recent earthquake & tsunami that hit Sulawesi region of Indonesia. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/F49kdmt6GT — ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2018 × In response to Indonesia's appeal for international aid, the Prime Minister offered to Widodo all possible assistance from India as a maritime neighbour and as a friend of Indonesia. The two leaders agreed that the details of India's relief assistance will be worked out through diplomatic and official channels. The massive 7.5-magnitude tremor struck Friday and sent monster waves barrelling into the island of Sulawesi, leaving at least 844 dead in the seaside city of Palu and surrounding areas.

PM Modi offers assistance to tsunami-hit Indonesia

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Sunday visited Palu, a coastal city on Sulawesi island, hit by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that triggered a tsunami with waves as high as six metres (20 feet) two days ago.

The toll from the quake and tsunami soared on Sunday to 832 confirmed dead, with authorities fearing it will rise as rescuers struggle to reach outlying communities cut off from communication and help.

In front of media and local community members, Widodo said the government will ensure improvement to damaged facilities, heavy equipment delivery, fuel supply and better communication, so that the rehabilitation and reconstruction stages can begin immediately.

Reports are filtering in from outlying areas like Donggala, a region of 300,000 people north of Palu and closer to the epicentre of the quake, as well as two other districts.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the toll could rise into the thousands.

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.

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.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Sunday visited Palu, a coastal city on Sulawesi island, hit by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that triggered a tsunami with waves as high as six metres (20 feet) two days ago.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Sunday visited Palu, a coastal city on Sulawesi island, hit by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that triggered a tsunami with waves as high as six metres (20 feet) two days ago. The toll from the quake and tsunami soared on Sunday to 832 confirmed dead, with authorities fearing it will rise as rescuers struggle to reach outlying communities cut off from communication and help. In front of media and local community members, Widodo said the government will ensure improvement to damaged facilities, heavy equipment delivery, fuel supply and better communication, so that the rehabilitation and reconstruction stages can begin immediately. Reports are filtering in from outlying areas like Donggala, a region of 300,000 people north of Palu and closer to the epicentre of the quake, as well as two other districts. Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the toll could rise into the thousands. 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. 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.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo visits worst hit areas of earthquake and tsunami

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

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-pakistan-no-different-old-one-indias-harsh-rebuttal-islamabad-unga-168485">New Pakistan is no different from the old one: India's harsh rebuttal to Islamabad at UNGA</a>

India decided to exercise its Right to Reply, in response to the statement of Pakistan External Affairs Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, at the 73rd session of UNGA General Debate.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-resign-tesla-chairman-pay-20-million-fine-over-fraud-charges-168473">Elon Musk to resign as Tesla chairman, pay $20 million fine over fraud charges</a>

Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk have agreed to pay a total of $40 million and make a series of concessions to settle a government lawsuit alleging Musk duped investors with misleading statements about a proposed buyout of the company.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/death-toll-indonesia-quake-tsunami-reaches-420-state-media-168472">Death</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/death-toll-indonesia-quake-tsunami-reaches-420-state-media-168472"> toll in Indonesia quake-tsunami reaches 420: State media</a>

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.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-no-way-it-will-disarm-without-trust-us-168474">North Korea says 'no way' it will disarm without trust in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-no-way-it-will-disarm-without-trust-us-168474">US</a>

North Korea's foreign minister on Saturday told the United Nations there was "no way" that his country would disarm first as long as the&nbsp;United States continued to push for tough enforcement&nbsp;of&nbsp;sanctions against Pyongyang.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-accuses-japan-rebuilding-military-korean-peninsula-168478">North Korea accuses Japan of rebuilding military on Korean Peninsula</a>

North Korea has accused Japan of trying to create tension on the Korean Peninsula and rebuilding its military.

New Pakistan is no different from the old one: India's harsh rebuttal to Islamabad at UNGA India decided to exercise its Right to Reply, in response to the statement of Pakistan External Affairs Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, at the 73rd session of UNGA General Debate.

New Pakistan is no different from the old one: India's harsh rebuttal to Islamabad at UNGA India decided to exercise its Right to Reply, in response to the statement of Pakistan External Affairs Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, at the 73rd session of UNGA General Debate. Elon Musk to resign as Tesla chairman, pay $20 million fine over fraud charges Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk have agreed to pay a total of $40 million and make a series of concessions to settle a government lawsuit alleging Musk duped investors with misleading statements about a proposed buyout of the company. Death toll in Indonesia quake-tsunami reaches 420: State media 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. North Korea says 'no way' it will disarm without trust in US North Korea's foreign minister on Saturday told the United Nations there was "no way" that his country would disarm first as long as the United States continued to push for tough enforcement of sanctions against Pyongyang. North Korea accuses Japan of rebuilding military on Korean Peninsula North Korea has accused Japan of trying to create tension on the Korean Peninsula and rebuilding its military.

News brief: Big stories of the day

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

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.

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

A powerful earthquake hit central Indonesia on Friday, causing a tsunami that slammed into a city on Sulawesi island with officials saying the tremor had levelled "many" buildings.

The shallow <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-rocked-75-magnitude-quake-tsunami-warning-issued-168167">7.5 magnitude quake</a> sparked terror among locals who fled into the streets and raced to higher ground fearing tsunami waves.

The disaster agency briefly issued a tsunami warning before lifting it.

But dramatic video footage filmed from the top floor of a parking ramp spiral in Palu, a city of 350,000 nearly 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the quake's epicentre, showed a churning wall of whitewater mow down several buildings and inundate a large mosque.

Rahmat Triyono, head of the agency's earthquake and tsunami division, later confirmed the city was struck by a freak wave.

People living hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre reported feeling the massive shake, hours after a smaller jolt killed at least one person in the same part of the Southeast Asian archipelago.

There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries after the latest tremor, but it was a higher magnitude than a series of quakes that killed hundreds on the island of Lombok this summer.

The quake hit just off central Sulawesi at a shallow depth of some 10 kilometres just before 6:00 pm local time (1100 GMT), the US Geological Survey said.

"There are reports that many buildings collapsed in the earthquake," national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Residents panicked and scattered out of their homes."

Pictures supplied by the agency showed a badly damaged shopping mall in Palu where at least one floor had collapsed onto the storey below.

Other pictures showed major damage to buildings, with rubble strewn about the road and large cracks running through pavements.

Facebook Live video showed long traffic jams formed in some parts of the region as terrified residents packed into cars, trucks and motorbikes to flee to higher ground following the tsunami warning.

Search and rescue teams have been dispatched to hard-hit areas, Nugroho said.

AFP phone calls to several regional hospitals went unanswered and Palu's main airport was closed around 7.30 pm local time, with authorities saying it would not open for 24 hours.

Friday's tremor was centred 78 kilometres north of Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province, but was felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on the neighbouring island of Kalimantan, Indonesia's portion of Borneo island.

The initial tremor 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 would be especially busy.

It was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, including one measuring 5.7 magnitude.

'Earthquake, earthquake!'

"I was about to start prayers but then I heard people shouting 'earthquake! earthquake!' so I stopped," Andi Temmaeli from Wajo, south of Palu, told AFP.

Lisa Soba Palloan, a resident of Toraja, also south of Palu, said locals felt several quakes Friday.

"The last one was quite big," she said.

"Everyone was getting out their homes, shouting in fear."

Quakes of similar magnitude can cause great damage to poorly built or designed structures, including the toppling of chimneys, columns and walls, according to USGS.

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.

This summer, a series of powerful quakes hit Lombok, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighbouring Sumbawa.

Some 1,500 people were injured and about 400,000 residents were displaced after their homes were destroyed.

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 2004.

That quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.

The Boxing Day disaster was the world's third-biggest quake since 1900, and lifted the ocean floor in some places by 15 metres.

Indonesia's Aceh province was the hardest hit area, but the tsunami-affected coastal areas as far away as Africa.

Among the country's other big earthquakes, a 6.3-magnitude quake in 2006 rocked a densely populated region of Java near the city of Yogyakarta, killing around 6,000 people and injuring 38,000.

More than 420,000 people were left homeless and some 157,000 houses were destroyed.

A year earlier, in 2005, a quake measuring 8.7 magnitude struck off the coast of Sumatra, which is particularly prone to quakes, killing 900 people and injuring 6,000.

It caused widespread destruction on the western island of Nias.

A powerful earthquake hit central Indonesia on Friday, causing a tsunami that slammed into a city on Sulawesi island with officials saying the tremor had levelled "many" buildings.

A powerful earthquake hit central Indonesia on Friday, causing a tsunami that slammed into a city on Sulawesi island with officials saying the tremor had levelled "many" buildings. The shallow 7.5 magnitude quake sparked terror among locals who fled into the streets and raced to higher ground fearing tsunami waves. The disaster agency briefly issued a tsunami warning before lifting it. But dramatic video footage filmed from the top floor of a parking ramp spiral in Palu, a city of 350,000 nearly 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the quake's epicentre, showed a churning wall of whitewater mow down several buildings and inundate a large mosque. Rahmat Triyono, head of the agency's earthquake and tsunami division, later confirmed the city was struck by a freak wave. People living hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre reported feeling the massive shake, hours after a smaller jolt killed at least one person in the same part of the Southeast Asian archipelago. There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries after the latest tremor, but it was a higher magnitude than a series of quakes that killed hundreds on the island of Lombok this summer. The quake hit just off central Sulawesi at a shallow depth of some 10 kilometres just before 6:00 pm local time (1100 GMT), the US Geological Survey said. "There are reports that many buildings collapsed in the earthquake," national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said in a statement. "Residents panicked and scattered out of their homes." Pictures supplied by the agency showed a badly damaged shopping mall in Palu where at least one floor had collapsed onto the storey below. Other pictures showed major damage to buildings, with rubble strewn about the road and large cracks running through pavements. Facebook Live video showed long traffic jams formed in some parts of the region as terrified residents packed into cars, trucks and motorbikes to flee to higher ground following the tsunami warning. Search and rescue teams have been dispatched to hard-hit areas, Nugroho said. AFP phone calls to several regional hospitals went unanswered and Palu's main airport was closed around 7.30 pm local time, with authorities saying it would not open for 24 hours. Friday's tremor was centred 78 kilometres north of Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province, but was felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on the neighbouring island of Kalimantan, Indonesia's portion of Borneo island. The initial tremor 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 would be especially busy. It was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, including one measuring 5.7 magnitude. 'Earthquake, earthquake!' "I was about to start prayers but then I heard people shouting 'earthquake! earthquake!' so I stopped," Andi Temmaeli from Wajo, south of Palu, told AFP. Lisa Soba Palloan, a resident of Toraja, also south of Palu, said locals felt several quakes Friday. "The last one was quite big," she said. "Everyone was getting out their homes, shouting in fear." Quakes of similar magnitude can cause great damage to poorly built or designed structures, including the toppling of chimneys, columns and walls, according to USGS. 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. This summer, a series of powerful quakes hit Lombok, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighbouring Sumbawa. Some 1,500 people were injured and about 400,000 residents were displaced after their homes were destroyed. 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 2004. That quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia. The Boxing Day disaster was the world's third-biggest quake since 1900, and lifted the ocean floor in some places by 15 metres. Indonesia's Aceh province was the hardest hit area, but the tsunami-affected coastal areas as far away as Africa. Among the country's other big earthquakes, a 6.3-magnitude quake in 2006 rocked a densely populated region of Java near the city of Yogyakarta, killing around 6,000 people and injuring 38,000. More than 420,000 people were left homeless and some 157,000 houses were destroyed. A year earlier, in 2005, a quake measuring 8.7 magnitude struck off the coast of Sumatra, which is particularly prone to quakes, killing 900 people and injuring 6,000. It caused widespread destruction on the western island of Nias.

Indonesian city hit by tsunami after powerful quake

Indonesia on Friday was struck by a very strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake, news agency AFP reported citing US Geological Survey.

Following the strong quake, country's national disaster agency had briefly issued a tsunami warning before cancelling it.

The quake hit central Sulawesi island at a shallow depth of some 10 kilometres (six miles), just hours after a smaller quake killed at least one person in the same part of the country.

The US&nbsp;Geological Survey put the magnitude of the second quake at a strong 7.5, after first saying it was 7.7.

The earlier quake destroyed some houses, killing one person and injuring at least 10, authorities said.

Indonesia's disaster agency issued a tsunami warning for the west coast of Sulawesi and east coast of Indonesia's part of Borneo island.&nbsp;

People living&nbsp;in the shore areas have also been advised to move away from the coastline; news agency Reuters reported.

A series of earthquakes in July and August killed nearly 500 people on the holiday island of Lombok, hundreds of kilometres southwest of Sulawesi.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly hit by earthquakes.

In 2004, a big 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.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Indonesia on Friday was struck by a very strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake, news agency AFP reported citing US Geological Survey. Following the strong quake, country's national disaster agency had briefly issued a tsunami warning before cancelling it.

Indonesia on Friday was struck by a very strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake, news agency AFP reported citing US Geological Survey. Following the strong quake, country's national disaster agency had briefly issued a tsunami warning before cancelling it. The quake hit central Sulawesi island at a shallow depth of some 10 kilometres (six miles), just hours after a smaller quake killed at least one person in the same part of the country. The US Geological Survey put the magnitude of the second quake at a strong 7.5, after first saying it was 7.7. The earlier quake destroyed some houses, killing one person and injuring at least 10, authorities said. Indonesia's disaster agency issued a tsunami warning for the west coast of Sulawesi and east coast of Indonesia's part of Borneo island. People living in the shore areas have also been advised to move away from the coastline; news agency Reuters reported. A series of earthquakes in July and August killed nearly 500 people on the holiday island of Lombok, hundreds of kilometres southwest of Sulawesi. Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly hit by earthquakes. In 2004, a big 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. (With inputs from news agencies)

Indonesia rocked by 7.5 magnitude quake, tsunami warning called off

Authorities urged people in Hawaii&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;to evacuate an area at risk of being cut off by a flood of lava from the erupting Kilauea volcano.

"Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that lava from several fissures continues to advance toward the Kapoho area," a Civil Defense message said, referencing an area that was devastated during a 1960 eruption.

"Residents of Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland are advised to evacuate. You are at risk of being isolated due to possible lava inundation," the message added.

Authorities had earlier advised that lava flow from Fissure 8 had blocked a major highway and caused an electricity blackout, and recommended evacuations of other nearby areas as telephone communications were cut.

Meanwhile, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter at Kilauea itself was recorded&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;at&nbsp;11:00 am&nbsp;(0000 GMT).

Although it was felt strongly in the area, authorities dismissed the possibility of a tsunami.

Local authorities could not confirm to AFP how many people would be evacuated. Around 2,000 residents have already abandoned their homes as a result of the eruption, which has destroyed 71 houses so far.

The lava has engulfed an area of approximately 9.5 square kilometers, with the majority ending up in the ocean, creating so-called "laze" -- acid fumes created when lava meets water.

Kilauea is one of five volcanoes on Hawaii's Big Island.

Scientists believe that volcanic activity can be a precursor to a major eruption, similar to the Kilauea eruption in the mid-1920s.

Authorities had earlier advised that lava flow from Fissure 8 had blocked a major highway and caused an electricity blackout, and recommended evacuations of other nearby areas as telephone communications were cut

Authorities urged people in Hawaii Wednesday to evacuate an area at risk of being cut off by a flood of lava from the erupting Kilauea volcano. "Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports that lava from several fissures continues to advance toward the Kapoho area," a Civil Defense message said, referencing an area that was devastated during a 1960 eruption. "Residents of Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland are advised to evacuate. You are at risk of being isolated due to possible lava inundation," the message added. Authorities had earlier advised that lava flow from Fissure 8 had blocked a major highway and caused an electricity blackout, and recommended evacuations of other nearby areas as telephone communications were cut. Meanwhile, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter at Kilauea itself was recorded on Wednesday at 11:00 am (0000 GMT). Although it was felt strongly in the area, authorities dismissed the possibility of a tsunami. Local authorities could not confirm to AFP how many people would be evacuated. Around 2,000 residents have already abandoned their homes as a result of the eruption, which has destroyed 71 houses so far. The lava has engulfed an area of approximately 9.5 square kilometers, with the majority ending up in the ocean, creating so-called "laze" -- acid fumes created when lava meets water. Kilauea is one of five volcanoes on Hawaii's Big Island. Scientists believe that volcanic activity can be a precursor to a major eruption, similar to the Kilauea eruption in the mid-1920s.

Evacuations urged in Hawaii as lava flow advances

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit central Japan on Saturday morning but no tsunami is expected, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Police said they have heard no reports of damage or casualties.

The quake's epicentre was in northern Nagano prefecture in central Japan, and tremor occurred at around 10:29 a.m. (0129 GMT) at a depth of around 10 km (6 miles), the weather agency said.

No abnormalities have been observed at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings' (TEPCO) Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in neighboring Niigata prefecture, public broadcaster NHK quoted the electric utilities as saying.

There have been no information on casualties or damages yet

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit central Japan on Saturday morning but no tsunami is expected, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. Police said they have heard no reports of damage or casualties. The quake's epicentre was in northern Nagano prefecture in central Japan, and tremor occurred at around 10:29 a.m. (0129 GMT) at a depth of around 10 km (6 miles), the weather agency said. No abnormalities have been observed at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings' (TEPCO) Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in neighboring Niigata prefecture, public broadcaster NHK quoted the electric utilities as saying.

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake hits central Japan, no tsunami

An earthquake hit the main island of Honshu in West of Japan on Monday early morning.

The United States Geological Service Survey (USGS) measured the initial quake at magnitude 5.6 at a depth of 7 kms.

Three people have reportedly suffered minor injuries.

However, damage to buildings and roads was also reported.

Locals around the area also saw the loss of water supplies and electricity cuts.

The nearby nuclear power station is said to remain unharmed.

A warning of further tremor could b felt in coming two-three days has been issued by the authorities.

According to reports, more tremors are also expected.

In 2011 A devastating earthquake of magnitude 9.0&nbsp;struck&nbsp; Japan which was also followed by&nbsp;the tsunami caused widespread damage and took the lives of thousands of people.

The United States Geological Service Survey (USGS) measured the initial quake at magnitude 5.6 at a depth of 7 kms

An earthquake hit the main island of Honshu in West of Japan on Monday early morning. The United States Geological Service Survey (USGS) measured the initial quake at magnitude 5.6 at a depth of 7 kms. Three people have reportedly suffered minor injuries. However, damage to buildings and roads was also reported. Locals around the area also saw the loss of water supplies and electricity cuts. The nearby nuclear power station is said to remain unharmed. A warning of further tremor could b felt in coming two-three days has been issued by the authorities. According to reports, more tremors are also expected. In 2011 A devastating earthquake of magnitude 9.0 struck Japan which was also followed by the tsunami caused widespread damage and took the lives of thousands of people.

5.6-magnitude earthquake hits western Japan, 3 injured

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Papua New Guinea`s New Britain island on Friday, initially triggering a tsunami warning for surrounding coastlines, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. 
 
The shallow quake struck close to the coast, around 100 miles (162 km) southwest of Rabaul, a much more remote region than the country`s mountainous mainland highlands where a magnitude 7.5 tremor struck on February 26, killing 100 people. 
 
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) issued a threat warning for the country`s coastline located within 300 km of the quake`s epicentre, but later advised that the threat had passed. 
 
Dellie Minding, a receptionist at the Rabaul Hotel in the east of New Britain, around 20 minutes from the coast, told Reuters that the earthquake was felt, with many guests running outside, but there was no damage. 
 
At the Rapopo Plantation Resort on the coast, receptionist May Dovon said she had not heard of any casualties or damage. 
 
"We felt the earthquake, everything was moving so we went out of the building," Dovon told Reuters. "Nothing was damaged." 
 
Australian authorities said there was no threat to the Australian coastline from the quake, which was initially reported as a magnitude 7.2. 
 
Quakes are common in Papua New Guinea, which sits on the Pacific`s "Ring of Fire", a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates. Rabaul lies in the shadow of Mount Tavurvur, an active volcano that destroyed the town in 1994 during a severe eruption. 
 
The latest quake came as Papua New Guinea struggles to get aid to survivors of the February 26 quake, which flattened whole villages and spoiled water supplies on the country`s main island. 
 
The impoverished country is also missing its largest revenue earner since the quake forced a shutdown of Exxon Mobil Corp`s liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, which has annual sales of $3 billion at current LNG prices. The company is still assessing quake damage at its facilities.&nbsp

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Papua New Guinea`s New Britain island on Friday, initially triggering a tsunami warning for surrounding coastlines, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the southern coast of Papua New Guinea`s New Britain island on Friday, initially triggering a tsunami warning for surrounding coastlines, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The shallow quake struck close to the coast, around 100 miles (162 km) southwest of Rabaul, a much more remote region than the country`s mountainous mainland highlands where a magnitude 7.5 tremor struck on February 26, killing 100 people. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) issued a threat warning for the country`s coastline located within 300 km of the quake`s epicentre, but later advised that the threat had passed. Dellie Minding, a receptionist at the Rabaul Hotel in the east of New Britain, around 20 minutes from the coast, told Reuters that the earthquake was felt, with many guests running outside, but there was no damage. At the Rapopo Plantation Resort on the coast, receptionist May Dovon said she had not heard of any casualties or damage. "We felt the earthquake, everything was moving so we went out of the building," Dovon told Reuters. "Nothing was damaged." Australian authorities said there was no threat to the Australian coastline from the quake, which was initially reported as a magnitude 7.2. Quakes are common in Papua New Guinea, which sits on the Pacific`s "Ring of Fire", a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates. Rabaul lies in the shadow of Mount Tavurvur, an active volcano that destroyed the town in 1994 during a severe eruption. The latest quake came as Papua New Guinea struggles to get aid to survivors of the February 26 quake, which flattened whole villages and spoiled water supplies on the country`s main island. The impoverished country is also missing its largest revenue earner since the quake forced a shutdown of Exxon Mobil Corp`s liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, which has annual sales of $3 billion at current LNG prices. The company is still assessing quake damage at its facilities.

Magnitude 6.9 quake off Papua New Guinea, tsunami danger passes

A brief tsunami alert was triggered in eastern Indonesia earlier on Monday after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit the region. The tsunami alert was lifted after the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) ruled out the possibility of any "threat to countries in the Indian Ocean"

The epicentre of the quake was located in a sparsely inhabited part of the Banda Sea, 380 kilometres from Ambon, the capital of Maluku province.

No loss of life or property has been reported so far.

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"The tremor was felt mildly for two to three seconds by the locals, there was no panic and no tsunami threat," disaster mitigation agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told AFP.

A similar 6.1-magnitude quake hit close to Monday's epicentre on 26 February and caused no damage.&nbsp;

Indonesia sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismic activity hotspot and is frequently hit by quakes, most of them harmless.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

No loss of life or property has been reported so far.

A brief tsunami alert was triggered in eastern Indonesia earlier on Monday after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit the region. The tsunami alert was lifted after the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS) ruled out the possibility of any "threat to countries in the Indian Ocean" The epicentre of the quake was located in a sparsely inhabited part of the Banda Sea, 380 kilometres from Ambon, the capital of Maluku province. No loss of life or property has been reported so far. 6.4 magnitude quake in sea off eastern Indonesia triggers tsunami alert, reports AFP. — ANI (@ANI) 25 March 2018 × "The tremor was felt mildly for two to three seconds by the locals, there was no panic and no tsunami threat," disaster mitigation agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told AFP. A similar 6.1-magnitude quake hit close to Monday's epicentre on 26 February and caused no damage. Indonesia sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismic activity hotspot and is frequently hit by quakes, most of them harmless. (With inputs from AFP)

Indonesia: 6.4 quake rattles eastern Indonesia, tsunami alert lifted

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck around 180 kilometres (112 miles) southwest of Rabaul in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) informed that the quake was measured at a depth of 60 km.

According to the report, the quake did not pose any tsunami risk.

PNG sits on the Pacific ring of fire where it is often hit by earthquakes.

Earlier in the February 7.5-magnitude quake struck the region in which 125 people were reported to be dead.

As the area is a mountainous area making it hard to reach isolated villages, reports of casualties take time to reach officials.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck around 180 kilometres (112 miles) southwest of Rabaul in Papua New Guinea (PNG)

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck around 180 kilometres (112 miles) southwest of Rabaul in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The United States Geological Survey (USGS) informed that the quake was measured at a depth of 60 km. According to the report, the quake did not pose any tsunami risk. PNG sits on the Pacific ring of fire where it is often hit by earthquakes. Earlier in the February 7.5-magnitude quake struck the region in which 125 people were reported to be dead. As the area is a mountainous area making it hard to reach isolated villages, reports of casualties take time to reach officials. (With inputs from Reuters)

Magnitude 6.8 quake hits near Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea sent troops and rescue workers Monday to respond to a powerful earthquake in the Pacific nation&#39;s mountainous interior, with unconfirmed reports of fatalities and warnings of aftershocks and landslides.

Assessment teams were heading to affected areas near the 7.5-magnitude quake&#39;s epicentre, which the US Geological Survey said was some 90 kilometres (55 miles) south of Porgera in Enga province.

&quot;It is advisable to stay out of multi-story buildings, to be aware of the potential of landslides, and to be prepared to move to open ground in the event that an aftershock is felt,&quot; the chief secretary to the government, Isaac Lupari, said in a statement.

The tremor hit at a depth of 35 kilometres around 3:45 am local time (1745 GMT Sunday), US seismologists said, adding that there was no tsunami threat.

The region is home to oil and gas production. ExxonMobil PNG said buildings at its Hides Gas Conditioning Plant were damaged but all its staff were &quot;safe and accounted for&quot;, with non-essential employees to be evacuated.

Australian resources company Oil Search said its operations in the area were being shut down as a precaution and for damage assessment, and there were no injuries reported among its staff so far.

Felix Taranu, a seismologist at the Geophysical Observatory in the capital Port Moresby, said social media posts reported blackouts and damage to buildings at Porgera, although he was not aware of any injuries.

He told AFP the quake was felt strongly at Mount Hagen, some 168 kilometres away from the epicentre.

&quot;It will take some time to get assessment teams out there and get a clear picture of what&#39;s happening,&quot; he added.

The director of the Geohazards Management Division, Chris McKee, told AFP he had yet to receive any reports of damage, although there was an unconfirmed report of fatalities.

&quot;There&#39;s an unconfirmed report of some deaths from Mendi (in the Southern Highlands), but I&#39;m not exactly aware of where the fatalities occurred, and this will have to be corroborated,&quot; he said.

The quake&#39;s epicentre is in rugged terrain about 612 kilometres northwest of Port Moresby.

USGS said earlier that some casualties and damage were possible and recent earthquakes in the area had caused landslides.

It said homes in the region were &quot;a mix of vulnerable and earthquake resistant construction&quot;.

The impact should be relatively localised, it added.

Earthquakes are common in PNG, which sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates.

The tremor hit at a depth of 35 kilometres around 3:45 am local time (1745 GMT Sunday), US seismologists said, adding that there was no tsunami threat.

Papua New Guinea sent troops and rescue workers Monday to respond to a powerful earthquake in the Pacific nation's mountainous interior, with unconfirmed reports of fatalities and warnings of aftershocks and landslides. Assessment teams were heading to affected areas near the 7.5-magnitude quake's epicentre, which the US Geological Survey said was some 90 kilometres (55 miles) south of Porgera in Enga province. "It is advisable to stay out of multi-story buildings, to be aware of the potential of landslides, and to be prepared to move to open ground in the event that an aftershock is felt," the chief secretary to the government, Isaac Lupari, said in a statement. The tremor hit at a depth of 35 kilometres around 3:45 am local time (1745 GMT Sunday), US seismologists said, adding that there was no tsunami threat. The region is home to oil and gas production. ExxonMobil PNG said buildings at its Hides Gas Conditioning Plant were damaged but all its staff were "safe and accounted for", with non-essential employees to be evacuated. Australian resources company Oil Search said its operations in the area were being shut down as a precaution and for damage assessment, and there were no injuries reported among its staff so far. Felix Taranu, a seismologist at the Geophysical Observatory in the capital Port Moresby, said social media posts reported blackouts and damage to buildings at Porgera, although he was not aware of any injuries. He told AFP the quake was felt strongly at Mount Hagen, some 168 kilometres away from the epicentre. "It will take some time to get assessment teams out there and get a clear picture of what's happening," he added. The director of the Geohazards Management Division, Chris McKee, told AFP he had yet to receive any reports of damage, although there was an unconfirmed report of fatalities. "There's an unconfirmed report of some deaths from Mendi (in the Southern Highlands), but I'm not exactly aware of where the fatalities occurred, and this will have to be corroborated," he said. The quake's epicentre is in rugged terrain about 612 kilometres northwest of Port Moresby. USGS said earlier that some casualties and damage were possible and recent earthquakes in the area had caused landslides. It said homes in the region were "a mix of vulnerable and earthquake resistant construction". The impact should be relatively localised, it added. Earthquakes are common in PNG, which sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates.

Papua New Guinea sends out troops, rescue workers after quake

An earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck near remote Caribbean Islands belonging to Honduras on Tuesday, sparking a tsunami warning for the US&nbsp;Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The quake rattled windows in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa roughly 323 miles (519 km) to the east, but no damage was immediately reported.

The US&nbsp;Geological Survey said the quake, initially reported as a magnitude 7.8, was centered 125 miles (202 km)northeast of Barra Patuca in Honduras and 191 miles (307 km)southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami advisory was in effect for Puerto Rico and the US&nbsp;Virgin Islands after the earthquake and warned of possible waves up to 1 meter (3 feet) above tide level.

The quake was very shallow, at only 6.2 miles (10 km), which would have amplified its effect.

It was also lightly felt in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo north of Honduras, according to Mexico&#39;s civil protection director.

The earthquake has sparked a tsunami warning for the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

An earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck near remote Caribbean Islands belonging to Honduras on Tuesday, sparking a tsunami warning for the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The quake rattled windows in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa roughly 323 miles (519 km) to the east, but no damage was immediately reported. The US Geological Survey said the quake, initially reported as a magnitude 7.8, was centered 125 miles (202 km)northeast of Barra Patuca in Honduras and 191 miles (307 km)southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami advisory was in effect for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands after the earthquake and warned of possible waves up to 1 meter (3 feet) above tide level. The quake was very shallow, at only 6.2 miles (10 km), which would have amplified its effect. It was also lightly felt in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo north of Honduras, according to Mexico's civil protection director.

7.6-magnitude earthquake strikes off  Honduras, tsunami warning issued

Tamil Nadu recalled the horrific tragedy of Tsunami 2004 and remembered its victims on its 13th anniversary today.

Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar and Handloom Minister O S Manian also paid tributes to the victims.

Special prayers were held while mourners demonstrated processions in the loving memory of those who had lost their lives.

Some people also remember their loved ones by pouring milk into the sea.

People came together and offered prayers and tributes in the coastal areas of Chennai and Nagapattinam.

People at Nagapattinam observed a minute of silence to pay homage to the tsunami victims.&nbsp;

Memorial services were also held in the neighboring district of Karaikal.

At Nagore, tributes were paid to those who were buried in the land owned by the Dargah Saint Hazrath Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir wali.

Local fisherman also kept off the sea today in the coastal areas of the district.

A massive tsunami struck Tamil Nadu&#39;s coast on December 26, 2004.

The calamity was caused by an undersea earthquake in Indonesia.

Tsunami 2004 is known to have caused massive damage to life and property across the state.

Around 10,749 casualties were reported, nearly 7,000 died in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar and Handloom Minister O S Manian also paid tributes to the victims of the tragedy

Tamil Nadu recalled the horrific tragedy of Tsunami 2004 and remembered its victims on its 13th anniversary today. Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar and Handloom Minister O S Manian also paid tributes to the victims. Special prayers were held while mourners demonstrated processions in the loving memory of those who had lost their lives. Some people also remember their loved ones by pouring milk into the sea. People came together and offered prayers and tributes in the coastal areas of Chennai and Nagapattinam. People at Nagapattinam observed a minute of silence to pay homage to the tsunami victims. Memorial services were also held in the neighboring district of Karaikal. At Nagore, tributes were paid to those who were buried in the land owned by the Dargah Saint Hazrath Syed Shahul Hameed Qadir wali. Local fisherman also kept off the sea today in the coastal areas of the district. A massive tsunami struck Tamil Nadu's coast on December 26, 2004. The calamity was caused by an undersea earthquake in Indonesia. Tsunami 2004 is known to have caused massive damage to life and property across the state. Around 10,749 casualties were reported, nearly 7,000 died in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Victims remembered in Tami Nadu on 13 anniversary of Tsunami 2004

A powerful magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck the island of Java in Indonesia just before midnight on Friday, with authorities reporting two deaths and damage to scores of buildings.

The US&nbsp;Geological Survey said the epicentre of the quake was located at a depth of 92 km (57 miles), about 52 km southwest of Tasikmalaya.&nbsp;

Indonesia&#39;s national disaster management agency said the quake activated early tsunami warning systems in the south of Java, prompting evacuations in some coastal areas, but no tsunami was detected.

Tremors were felt in central and west Java and a series of aftershocks stoked panic.&nbsp;

Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the disaster agency, said in a statement on Saturday two people had been killed, seven injured and more than 100 buildings damaged, including a hospital in Central Java.

About 70 patients had to be helped to safety from the Banyumas Hospital and were given shelter in tents, he said.

He posted on his Twitter page photos of people scouring collapsed buildings.&nbsp;

The quake swayed buildings for several seconds in the capital Jakarta.

Indonesia&#39;s meteorology and geophysics agency said a magnitude 5.7 quake early on Saturday also struck south of West Java. It said the quake did not have tsunami potential.

Java, Indonesia&rsquo;s most densely populated island, is home to more than half of its 250 million people.

There was no immediate indication of a tsunami, but authorities said they had issued a warning following the tremor

A powerful magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck the island of Java in Indonesia just before midnight on Friday, with authorities reporting two deaths and damage to scores of buildings. The US Geological Survey said the epicentre of the quake was located at a depth of 92 km (57 miles), about 52 km southwest of Tasikmalaya. Indonesia's national disaster management agency said the quake activated early tsunami warning systems in the south of Java, prompting evacuations in some coastal areas, but no tsunami was detected. Tremors were felt in central and west Java and a series of aftershocks stoked panic. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the disaster agency, said in a statement on Saturday two people had been killed, seven injured and more than 100 buildings damaged, including a hospital in Central Java. About 70 patients had to be helped to safety from the Banyumas Hospital and were given shelter in tents, he said. He posted on his Twitter page photos of people scouring collapsed buildings. The quake swayed buildings for several seconds in the capital Jakarta. Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency said a magnitude 5.7 quake early on Saturday also struck south of West Java. It said the quake did not have tsunami potential. Java, Indonesia’s most densely populated island, is home to more than half of its 250 million people.

6.5 magnitude quake strikes Indonesia's Java island

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, according to officials, but there were no immediate reports of damage.

The tremor hit at a depth of 107 kilometres (66 miles) some 67 kilometres from the town of Angoram, the administrative centre for the Pacific nation`s Lower and Middle Sepik regions, the United States Geological Survey said.

No tsunami warning was issued.

&quot;A quake of this type can cause damage and trigger landslides, but it was relatively deep which is a good thing,&quot; Geoscience Australia seismologist Phil Cummins said.

&quot;107 kilometres is getting to where the effects are mitigated.&quot;

He added that many buildings in the Sepik area were made of lighter materials, rather than brick and masonry, &quot;which is not as dangerous in events like this&quot;.

Earthquakes are common near Papua New Guinea, which lies on the 4,000-kilometre-long Pacific Australia plate.

It forms part of the &quot;Ring of Fire&quot;, a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates.

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, according to officials, but there were no immediate reports of damage

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, according to officials, but there were no immediate reports of damage. The tremor hit at a depth of 107 kilometres (66 miles) some 67 kilometres from the town of Angoram, the administrative centre for the Pacific nation`s Lower and Middle Sepik regions, the United States Geological Survey said. No tsunami warning was issued. "A quake of this type can cause damage and trigger landslides, but it was relatively deep which is a good thing," Geoscience Australia seismologist Phil Cummins said. "107 kilometres is getting to where the effects are mitigated." He added that many buildings in the Sepik area were made of lighter materials, rather than brick and masonry, "which is not as dangerous in events like this". Earthquakes are common near Papua New Guinea, which lies on the 4,000-kilometre-long Pacific Australia plate. It forms part of the "Ring of Fire", a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates.

6.5-magnitude quake hits Papua New Guinea

Pakistan has pressed the panic button, after an Indian, who purports to have an &quot;extrasensory perception,&quot; predicted a cataclysmic Tsunami by the end of this year.

Kerala based physics professor Babu Kalayil had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September, predicting a major Tsunami later this year, reported the Express Tribune.

According to the report, Kalayil, in his letter, warned of a devastating earthquake that could shake the Indian Ocean &quot;Indian Ocean in December and trigger a massive Tsunami, which would affect seven Asian countries, including Pakistan and India.

While India paid no heed to the letter, Pakistani officials have taken this seriously as they have started preparations to deal with a possible disaster.

Pakistan&#39;s top intelligence agency has reportedly warned the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA), the body responsible for disaster management, to take precautionary measures.

Another letter that has been doing the rounds on the social media is the one in which the ERRA acting deputy chairman allegedly directed that standard operating procedures (SOPs) on the matter may be prepared.

The ERRA letter read, &quot;An Information Report has been received from DG, Inter-Services Intelligence [ISI] that there is, reportedly, the likelihood of large-scale earthquake, as being expected, in the Indian Ocean, the Indian Ocean in near future which may vigorously shake the Asian continental areas, including Pakistan. There is, therefore, a need to sensitise concern departments to be on the vigil and take care of any natural disaster.&quot;

&quot;The SOPs will be put up to ERRA&#39;s acting deputy chairman by Monday, November 6, 2017,&quot; the letter further reads.

There have been no reports yet that have given any scientific basis for this prediction.

India was hit by a major Tsunami on December 26, 2004.

Pakistan has pressed the panic button, after an Indian, who purports to have an "extrasensory perception," predicted a cataclysmic Tsunami by the end of this year.

Pakistan has pressed the panic button, after an Indian, who purports to have an "extrasensory perception," predicted a cataclysmic Tsunami by the end of this year. Kerala based physics professor Babu Kalayil had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September, predicting a major Tsunami later this year, reported the Express Tribune. According to the report, Kalayil, in his letter, warned of a devastating earthquake that could shake the Indian Ocean "Indian Ocean in December and trigger a massive Tsunami, which would affect seven Asian countries, including Pakistan and India. While India paid no heed to the letter, Pakistani officials have taken this seriously as they have started preparations to deal with a possible disaster. Pakistan's top intelligence agency has reportedly warned the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA), the body responsible for disaster management, to take precautionary measures. Another letter that has been doing the rounds on the social media is the one in which the ERRA acting deputy chairman allegedly directed that standard operating procedures (SOPs) on the matter may be prepared. The ERRA letter read, "An Information Report has been received from DG, Inter-Services Intelligence [ISI] that there is, reportedly, the likelihood of large-scale earthquake, as being expected, in the Indian Ocean, the Indian Ocean in near future which may vigorously shake the Asian continental areas, including Pakistan. There is, therefore, a need to sensitise concern departments to be on the vigil and take care of any natural disaster." "The SOPs will be put up to ERRA's acting deputy chairman by Monday, November 6, 2017," the letter further reads. There have been no reports yet that have given any scientific basis for this prediction. India was hit by a major Tsunami on December 26, 2004.

An Indian's tsunami prediction makes Pakistan press the panic button

A strong earthquake with a 6.3 magnitude struck eastern Indonesia on Tuesday, causing some damage to buildings and sending people running from their homes.

The quake struck at a depth of 32.4 kilometres (20 miles) and was centred 32km west of Hila on the island of Ambon, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

There were no immediate reports of injuries and no tsunami warning was issued. The USGS website assessed the likelihood of deaths or major damage as low.

&quot;There was damage and it is still being monitored,&quot; Mochammad Riyadi, an official at Indonesia&#39;s meteorology and geophysics agency, told AFP.

The earthquake was one of five tremors that rattled Maluku province within 30 minutes, according to the agency. The others were all under magnitude 6.

&quot;People panicked and scattered out of houses and buildings,&quot; said national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific &quot;Ring of Fire&quot; where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

An earthquake struck Indonesia&#39;s western province of Aceh last December, killing more than 100 people, injuring many more and leaving tens of thousands homeless.

The earthquake was one of five tremors that rattled Maluku province within 30 minutes, according to the US Geological Survey.

A strong earthquake with a 6.3 magnitude struck eastern Indonesia on Tuesday, causing some damage to buildings and sending people running from their homes. The quake struck at a depth of 32.4 kilometres (20 miles) and was centred 32km west of Hila on the island of Ambon, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported. There were no immediate reports of injuries and no tsunami warning was issued. The USGS website assessed the likelihood of deaths or major damage as low. "There was damage and it is still being monitored," Mochammad Riyadi, an official at Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency, told AFP. The earthquake was one of five tremors that rattled Maluku province within 30 minutes, according to the agency. The others were all under magnitude 6. "People panicked and scattered out of houses and buildings," said national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity. An earthquake struck Indonesia's western province of Aceh last December, killing more than 100 people, injuring many more and leaving tens of thousands homeless.

Strong earthquake in eastern Indonesia, no casualties reported

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