Indonesia prepares mass graves as death toll keeps on increasing

Volunteers in Indonesian island of Sulawesi were preparing mass graves for over 1,000 people on Monday as the death toll in the earthquake and tsunami-devastated region is set to increase.

At the same time, authorities in the area warned of multiple mass prison breaks.

President Joko Widodo has opened the door to dozens of international aid groups and NGOs to help reach remote areas that still have not been reached since the twin disasters. Rescue workers have already begun to complain of medicine shortages and a lack of the necessary equipment to reach survivors trapped in collapsed buildings.

As a result, authorities in the city of Palu fear the death toll will skyrocket in the coming days, compounded by fears over disease outbreaks caused by decomposing bodies.

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DW/EPA