Sumatra braces for ‘worst’ as temblor toll rises (earthquake, cities, world)

[Bjorn_Ironside32]

PADANG, Indonesia - A second powerful earthquake rocked western Indonesia on Thursday as rescuers struggled to reach survivors of the previous day's quake, which killed more than 500 people and left thousands trapped under collapsed buildings.

The death toll from Wednesday's 7.6-magnitude earthquake off Sumatra island was expected to rise as rescuers dig through the rubble, sometimes by hand, in heavily populated cities. The latest, 6.8-magnitude quake damaged hundreds of additional buildings, and communications remained cut in some areas.

"Let's not underestimate (the disaster). Let's be prepared for the worst. We will do everything we can to help the victims," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in Jakarta before flying to Padang.

2nd quake hits Indonesia after temblor kills 529 - Asia-Pacific - msnbc.com

[Bjorn_Ironside32]

Update: Reports say they have confirmed 700 dead bodies...

Death toll in Indonesia earthquake tops 700

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Rescue workers pulled victims, some screaming in pain, from the heavy rubble of buildings felled by a powerful earthquake that killed more than 700 people. The death toll was expected to rise.

The brunt of Wednesday's 7.6-magnitude earthquake, which originated in the sea off Sumatra island, appeared to have been borne by Padang town. Four other districts accounted for the remaining deaths.

A government official said that at least 777 people are confirmed to have died in the quake, with about 300 seriously injured. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media.

Death toll in Indonesia earthquake tops 700 - Asia-Pacific - msnbc.com