Death toll in Sumatra earthquakes rises to 14

9/14/2007

JAKARTA : The death toll from the earthquakes in Sumatra had reached 14 as of Friday morning, Elshinta radio reported.

The series of powerful earthquakes had also injured 56 people, particularly in the hardest hit province of Bengkulu.

The initial quake that hit the region on the eve of Ramadhan (Wednesday) damaged thousands of homes, forcing people to seek refuge in tents, the radio station reported.

The station also said although the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency had suggested refugees return to their homes, many continued to remain outside, with some even heading to higher ground amid fears of a possible tsunami.