The death toll from the June 4 earthquake that hit the western Indonesian island of Sumatra now stands at 117 and is expected to rise, authorities said. At least 700 were injured. Most of those killed were crushed by collapsing buildings while they slept.
Thousands remain homeless.
Relief assistance has begun to arrive in the region. Relief efforts are being hampered by heavy rains and flooding, the BBC reported. Rescuers were searching for additional victims in rural areas. The quake measured 7.9 on the Richter scale, and was one of the most powerful earthquakes in recent Indonesian history. CWS staff in Indonesia continues to monitor the situation in Sumatra.