EARTHQUAKE DISASTER
Full-scale aid effort starts in tsunami-hit Indonesia after days of delays
Palu — An international aid effort to help tens of thousands of victims of Indonesia’s quake-tsunami disaster swung into gear on Thursday after days of delays, with aircraft flying in vital supplies for shattered communities. A total of 1,424 people have been confirmed dead and more than 2,500 injured after the earthquake struck on Friday, sending destructive waves barrelling into Sulawesi island. The double disaster reduced buildings in the seaside city of Palu to rubble — but aid has been slow to arrive and looting has broken out. On Thursday, police armed with guns stood guard outside petrol stations to ensure order in long, winding queues. Trucks carrying supplies have reportedly been ransacked en route to Palu. Police have been rounding up dozens of suspected looters and the military warned that soldiers will fire on anyone caught stealing. Hope fades While rescuers continue to comb through destroyed buildings, hope is fading that anyone will be found alive under the rubble. Au...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.