Indonesia Devastated by Tsunami: Death Toll Sharply Rising

Disaster has yet again struck Indonesia and this time it has taken a powerful and tragic form. A series of earthquakes (largest being 7.5) and a Tsunami has struck Indonesia on Friday. The powerful earthquake has occurred at a depth of 10 km just off the central island of Sulawesi. It’s said that the earthquake was more lateral than vertical which shouldn’t have resulted in a Tsunami. The areas however that were most affected by the deadly earthquake were Palu and Donggala. The initial quake hit as evening prayers were about to resume in the Muslim majority country on the holiest day of the week.

Hundreds are feared to be dead and the numbers are likely to rise higher. As of now, 844 people are confirmed dead. Several locals are trapped under debris and rubble. Due to the fear of disease being spread, the authorities are taking swift action to bury the victims in mass graves. They would be given a proper burial later. Online videos show a powerful 6m high wave striking the beach where a festival was being set up. The gigantic wave destroyed everything in its path. The beastly waves triggered due to the Tsunami lashed onto the land destroying houses, cars and claiming several lives. Hundreds of bodies were lying scattered on the beach. Striking images also show a double arched yellow bridge collapsed with its two metal arches twisted.  

There is an atmosphere of fear and panic all around the country. People are sleeping out in the open for fear of being struck by another disaster. Due to lack of food and water supply, people are raiding the already damaged stores for food, water and medicines. The injured are being treated out in the open as hospitals are damaged. The military has taken over the airport to bring aid in. Damaged airport, blocked roads coupled with no proper telecommunication is posing a challenge to acquire aid from outside. It’s also difficult to assess the situation in other areas which may also be severely affected. Questions are also being raised on why the warning systems failed.

Mobile phone signals have been detected under the rubble of a shopping mall and people’s voices were heard under the rubble of a collapsed Roa Roa hotel. One volunteer by the name of Thalib Bawano said “They were asking for help, but they are still there till now. We gave them motivation... so they can have spirit because they are trapped between life and death. We gave them water and food but that's not what they wanted. They wanted to get out. 'We want to get out, out, out. Help! Help!' they kept screaming. That's what we heard.”

According to Red Cross, the number of casualties could go up to 1.6 million people. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has visited the affected areas and has urged a “day and night” rescue effort. He has also agreed to accept foreign aid from neighboring countries. Countries like Singapore, Australia, and Thailand have promised to provide help and resources while rescue operations continue. The European Union has announced that 1.5 million euros will be given as aid.