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Landslides Wipe Out 4 Indonesian Villages

Another 640 people feared dead in remote areas

By the Associated Press

Posted Oct 3, 2009 11:26 AM CDT
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(AP) – At least four Indonesian villages were obliterated by earthquake-triggered landslides that buried as many as 644 people under mountains of mud and debris. Most of the victims were members of a communal wedding party. It's not clear exactly when the landslides occurred, but the full extent of Wednesday's 7.6-magnitude earthquake is becoming apparent as aid workers reach remote villages along Sumatra island's western coast.

If all 644 are confirmed dead—as is likely—the official death toll would jump to more than 1,300. "They were sucked (100 feet) deep into the earth," said a relief official at one village. "Even the mosque's minaret, taller than (65 feet), disappeared." The government's death toll currently is 715—though relief agencies peg it at more than 1,000—with most casualties reported from the region's biggest city, Padang. More than 3,000 people were listed as missing before the news about the obliterated villages emerged.

People survey the damage in this aerial photo taken in West Sumatra.
People survey the damage in this aerial photo taken in West Sumatra.   (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Damaged houses are seen in this aerial image taken in West Sumatra.
Damaged houses are seen in this aerial image taken in West Sumatra.   (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
Indonesian soldiers and rescue workers try to remove bodies trapped in the Ambacang Hotel in Padang.
Indonesian soldiers and rescue workers try to remove bodies trapped in the Ambacang Hotel in Padang.   (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
An aerial image taken in West Sumatra.
An aerial image taken in West Sumatra.   (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
An ambulance waits to remove bodies in Padang.
An ambulance waits to remove bodies in Padang.   (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Indonesian rescue workers remove a body from the Amberchang Hotel in Padang.
Indonesian rescue workers remove a body from the Amberchang Hotel in Padang.   (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)
Tears are seen in the eyes of Indonesian boy Mohammed Ansri, 2, who was injured in last Wednesday's earthquake.
Tears are seen in the eyes of Indonesian boy Mohammed Ansri, 2, who was injured in last Wednesday's earthquake.   (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)
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Indonesia • landslide • Padang • Sumatra • disaster recovery • disaster

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