Earthquake and Tsunami’s Death Toll in Central Sulawesi Rises to 832

Jakarta, MINA – The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) updated the number of deaths from the earthquake and tsunami in Palu – Donggala, Central Sulawesi on Sunday at 01.30 PM have risen to 832 and 540 people are seriously

BNPB spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said that those numbers come from Palu region 821and from Donggala district there 11.

“Many victims were buried in bulk after being identified, “said Sutopo at Graha BNPB, Jalan Pramuka, East Jakarta, Sunday.

Sutupo explained that the number of deaths might increase considering that the SAR and Basarnas teams are still searching at disaster location. Hundreds of deaths were caused by buildings and tsunami when the earthquake struck several locations in Central Sulawesi.

“We hope the data will not increase, but there are still many victims buried in the ruins. That is likely the number of victims continues to increase. Moreover, the affected area expanded to four regions namely, Palu City, Donggala Regency, Sigi Regency, and Parigi Regency, “he said.

Palu, Donggala is still recovering. Residents who fled for fear of the tsunami have begun to decline to join refugee posts. The evacuation deal with many obstacles such as limited communication, heavy equipment, and electricity still goes out.

“We use heavy equipment from the city to hammer but it is not enough comparing with how big collapsed buildings and areas affected by the tsunami so that sending heavy equipment from outside the city of Palu also experiences problems,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Central Sulawesi issued a 14-day emergency response letter which is valid from 28 September to 11 October 2018. This emergency response period can be extended depending on the existing needs. (TL/ R06/RS5)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)