Indonesia says thousands likely dead in massive quake
Fri Oct 2 03:58:16 EST 2009
Thu Oct 1 17:58:16 UTC 2009
Indonesia expects the death toll from the Sumatran earthquakes to climb into the thousands .. as rescue workers dig with bare hands to reach those trapped under collapsed buildings and homes.
Food and medicine plus body bags have begun arriving in Padang city where there's virtually no power or communications.
At least 529 people are dead .. and relatives are wandering through rows of yellow body bags searching for loved ones.
In pouring rain, overwhelmed police and soldiers are clawing through the tangled remains of schools, hotels and at least one major hospital.
Planes loaded with tents and blankets have been dispatched .. along with eight tonnes of baby food and 200 medical specialists.
Australia's Foreign Minister STEPHEN SMITH says Canberra is ready to respond to any requests from Indonesia for rescue or disaster relief.
He says half of the 14 Australians known to be in the area at the time have been accounted for .. but with Padang being a mecca for surfers .. more Australians not registered on Smart Traveller could be in the area.
