In Indonesia, the death toll from the tsunami, earthquake and flood in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra has risen to 248, with more than 100 people still missing. Rescue workers today struggled to reach several devastated areas, and authorities feared the confirmed death toll would rise further. The areas were largely cut off by damaged roads and downed communications lines, and relief aircraft were delivering aid and supplies to the hard-hit district of Central Tapanuli in North Sumatra province.
Rescue efforts were also hampered by damaged bridges and a lack of heavy equipment. The National Disaster Management Agency said, monsoon rains over the past week caused rivers to burst their banks in North Sumatra province. The deluge tore through the mountainside village, swept away people and submerged thousands of houses and buildings. A 6.3-magnitude earthquake also struck off the coast of Aceh on Thursday.
