Australians still missing after quake

5 Oct 2009, 3:38 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Rescuers search through the rubble for victims of the earthquake (AAP).

Rescuers search through the rubble for victims of the earthquake (AAP).

Seventeen Australians are still missing after the deadly earthquakes that hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra last week.

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Seventeen Australians are still missing following the earthquakes that hit Indonesia last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. 

Two quakes struck last Wednesday and Thursday which flattened buildings in Padang on Sumatra Island.

The Indonesian government says 603 people have been killed and 960 are missing, presumed dead.

Another 2,451 people were injured in the disasters.

A DFAT spokeswoman confirmed that there were no reports of Australian victims in any of the Indonesian tremors.

"At this stage there are no Australians confirmed among those killed or injured," the spokeswoman said.

"When the earthquake struck, 13 Australians were registered in the Padang area, and the Australian Embassy in Jakarta has confirmed the safety of all those 13 Australians."

Numbers could change

Embassy officials were continuing efforts to confirm the welfare of other Australians who were not registered with DFAT but who may have been in the Padang area at the time.

"The embassy is contacting hospitals in the Padang area to identify any Australians who may have been injured," she said.

"But I caution that this number will change as further information comes to hand, particularly as we locate people, or if more Australians contact DFAT with concerns about their loved ones who may have been in the area."

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has spoken with his Indonesian counterpart, Hassan Wirajuda, to pass on his condolences and underline Australia's commitment to assist with relief and reconstruction efforts.

A spokeswoman for Mr Smith said Mr Wirajuda conveyed his thanks for Australia's help, including search and rescue and medical assistance.

Mr Wirajuda also welcomed Australia's commitment to assist reconstruction in Sumatra.

 

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