Indonesia: A series of earthquakes have kept Indonesian cities, in west Sumatra, including the capital Padang distressed. The first one measuring 7.6 in magnitude (Richter Scale) had struck on Wednesday following which there were dozens of quakes a major one measuring 6.8. The amount of destruction have been huge; houses and building have collapsed and there are power and phone outages. The toll, which is already above 400, could rise to above 1000 as the scale and spread is bigger than previously felt earthquakes. There is high possibility of consequent volcanic eruptions as there are 3 major active volcanoes in the region, earlier intense earthquakes have had similar consequences. The government operations are running in full swing; there was a greater preparedness in the region as these quakes are a common phenomenon.

Our View: The death toll could be lower than what was experienced in 2006 ‘Yogyakarta earthquake’ thought this time the earthquake was more intense and wide spread. The death toll could rise further if the volcanic activity increases and the people are not rescued in time from both quake and volcanic eruptions.

Link: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/world/rest-of-world/Thousands-feared-dead-in-Indonesia-quake/articleshow/5074634.cms
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/09/30/indonesia.earthquake/