The Death Toll from the Devastating Earthquake in Indonesia Reaches 1,300

The death toll from the earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia surpassed 1,300 on Tuesday, October 2, coinciding with the arrival of rescue units in areas that had been inaccessible in recent days. According to officials, hundreds more have been added to the number of injured, and hundreds may still be trapped under the rubble and mud from the earthquake on Friday, which had a magnitude of 7.5. Following the Indonesian President's request for international assistance, the European Union and 10 other countries have expressed readiness to help. However, so far, only a small portion of aid and essential supplies has reached the affected areas, and local residents, facing severe shortages of food and other necessities, are scavenging for food and fuel from damaged stores. Rescue units have so far focused their efforts on the city of Palu, which has a population of about 380,000 and is more accessible than other severely affected areas. The tsunami caused by the earthquake, with wave heights reaching six meters in some areas, has destroyed buildings, homes, and boats even several tens of meters inland. A spokesperson for Indonesia's disaster management agency said on Tuesday that the death toll in all affected areas has now exceeded 1,300. He stated that many people are still trapped under the rubble in the regions of Sigi and Balaroa, and as a result, the number of victims is likely to increase. He also mentioned that more essential items have been distributed among the victims, but resolving all issues will take more time. The burial of victims' bodies, which began on Monday, continued today. On Tuesday, a special airplane carrying 12,000 liters of fuel arrived in the area, and trucks carrying food and other essential items are on their way under police protection to prevent looting. According to the spokesperson for Indonesia's disaster management agency, all gas stations in the area have effectively ceased operations due to damage from the earthquake or looting of their fuel by residents. Residents of the affected areas are extremely angry due to the several-day delay in the arrival of rescue units and necessary aid. The mayor of Palu stated that no assistance has yet reached many villages in the area, and people are only allowed to take food from stores. He added, 'After several days, people are extremely hungry. We have distributed some food among the people, but it is not enough. A large crowd has gathered in this city, and we cannot ask people to wait any longer for food.' Signs of worsening conditions and the plight of the victims can be seen throughout the city. Banners have been placed along the roads stating, 'We need food, we need help.' Children are begging on the streets, and long lines have formed at gas stations. Rescue units continue their work to save those trapped under the rubble, but they need heavy machinery that has not yet arrived in the area. According to officials, many people are still trapped in a part of the city of Palu called Balaroa.