Death Toll Rises In Java As More Bodies Are Uncovered From Rubble And Trees
Komfie Manalo - All Headline News Foreign Correspondent Pangandara, Indonesia (AHN) - Search and rescue workers in Java were shocked to see bodies on top of tree branches and in the rubble of destroyed buildings and houses as the death toll in Monday's tsunami has risen to 339. Health officials accompanied by the army are scouring the shores of the island of Java in a desperate effort to look for survivors. However they are mostly finding bodies. Debris littered the streets together with smashed boats and cars. Authorities say the island was hit by a 2m high-wave when a 7.7 magnitude undersea earthquake struck off Pangandaran Monday afternoon triggering the tsunami. According to reports residents in the area are just starting to get a grip on the devastation brought by the tsunami. Uli Sutarli, a plantation worker said, "When the waves came, I heard people screaming and then I heard something like a plane about to crash nearby, and I just ran." The Indonesian health ministry said over 100 people are still missing while an estimated 450 were wounded. Around 52,700 people have been displaced in the latest tragedy to hit the country. In 2004, a tsunami also struck Indonesia killing 130,000 in the island nation.
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