TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The death toll from the earthquake and tsunami that hit Palu and Donggala, Central Sulawesi reached almost a thousand. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded thus far 832 people died.

Through his official statement, BNPB spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho explained the most casualties were in Palu, reaching 821 people, while 11 others were victims in Donggala.

The victims, he mentioned, died because of falling debris and being swept by tsunami wave. The victims would be buried en masse to prevent disease. BNPB had identified victims and the data stored in Palu Regional Police.

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Other than the 832 casualties, 540 people who suffered injuries were being treated in a number of hospitals. Sutopo said the tolls would likely increase considering many victims had not yet been identified and trapped in the rubble of collapsing building. The SAR team has not reached them yet.

The team estimated 50 to 60 people buried in one point such as Hotel Roa-Roa, Palu. The joint team of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) and the Search and Rescue was still searching at that location as well as at Ramayana Mall, Talise Beach, Balaroa housing complex, and buildings in the vicinity.

Difficult access and lack of tools, according to Sutopo, hindered the team searching for victims. A number of roads heading to Palu City were badly damaged, thus the team could not mobilize heavy vehicle and equipments. The electricity outages hampered BNPB to work optimally at night.

FEBRIYAN