Mentawai Indonesia Ttsunami Tens killed Hundreds Missing

Mentawai Tsunami
The regional disaster management agency of South Pagai Subdistrict, Mentawai Islands Regency, reported that the death toll from the tsunami that thumped the area last night reached 21 while 240 others are still missing. Chief of the agency, Joskamatir, said a search and rescue team are still working on finding the missing persons.

According to Jos today, the most terribly affected area is Belerakso Hamlet of South Pagai. 16 inhabitants in the area were killed during the disaster.

The hamlet is situated on the southermost part of Mentawai Islands, approaching the epicenter of the 7.7 magnitude tremblor. It takes around 11 hours by motorboat to reach the capital of Mentawai Islands, Tuapejat.

Meanwhile, the disaster management agency of West Sumatra stated it will deploy a rescue team to Sikakap Island, located on the southernmost area of Mentawai Islands.

The tsunami hit Pagai 15 minutes after the earthquake affected several parts of Mentawai Regency. Report has it that a cruise ship carrying tourists is still missing.