Search For Tsunami Survivors Continues In Indonesia
Jacob Cherian - All Headline News Staff Writer Panganadaran, Indonesia (AHN) - The death toll from the tsunami in Indonesia is upwards of 340 while more than 200 persons are missing, officials said. At least four among the dead are foreign nationals and 54,000 people are displaced. The tsunami was believed to be triggered by a strong undersea earthquake smashing into fishing villages and resorts on Indonesia's Java island. The waves came with no warning signs, striking on Monday afternoon. This came despite all regional efforts to establish early warning systems as a result of the 2004 India Ocean tsunami that claimed 230,000 lives including 170,000 in Indonesia. Nevertheless, many villagers and tourists were able to recognize an indication of a tsunami in progress and escaped to higher ground as the sea receded, after which destructive waves crashed the shoreline. The waves threw cars, motorbikes and boats into hotel and stores. It was also responsible for flooding rice fields up to 500 meters from the sea and flattening home and restaurants. Vice President of Indonesia, Yusuf Kalla told Reuters, the death toll was expected to rise: "In a tsunami, it is possible that the number will increase, especially those who are missing." Indonesian soldiers made attempts to retrieve bodies trapped under rubble on Tuesday. Several bodies were found in trees along Pangandaran bean near Ciamis town, 270 km southeast of Jaka |
