Java earthquake claims 32 lives

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 09/02/2009 11:14 PM  |  National

The government has recorded at least 32 deaths caused by the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that jolted West Java on Wednesday afternoon.

But the death toll could be much higher as communication with some affected coastal areas have been cut.

More than 1,300 homes were damaged, according to government agencies.

Most fatalities were caused by falling debris, officials said.

Head of the Health Ministry's disaster control center, Rustam S. Pakaya, reported deaths in Tasikmalaya, Cianjur, Banjar and Garut — all in West Java. At least 112 people — 83 in West Java and 29 in Jakarta — were wounded, he added.

Comments (0)  |   Post comment
A  |   A  |   A  |   Mail to a friend  |  Printer Friendly Version |  Digg it!  |  Add to Del.icio.us!  |  Add to Reddit!  |  Stumble it!   |  Share on facebook  

What's On