4500 dead and help needed in Java quake for survivors

Reported here:

Many people are still believed trapped under rubble and collapsed buildings, but rescue teams say the chances of finding anyone alive are slim.

Relief efforts are picking up speed, with teams from across the country and abroad arriving in the disaster zone.

The area struck by the quake is densely-populated.

The Indonesian Red Cross estimates some 200,000 people fled their homes after it hit early on Saturday morning.

At least 4,500 are thought to have been killed and more than 10,000 injured when the quake, measuring 6.3, flattened buildings south of the city of Yogyakarta

Longer NY Times report here.


USNS Mercy is currently visiting the Philippines, which is a relatively short sail to the earthquake zone, if its help is needed and requested by the Indonesian goverment.

Red arrow on map points to quake area. Green area is USNS Mercy location.