Indonesia Struck By Catastrophic Quake

A powerful earthquake killed at least 3,002 people in Indonesia, government officials said on Saturday. More than 2,500 people were hurt when the 6.3-magnitude temblor struck central Java early in the morning while many were still asleep. Rescuers are searching through ruined buildings for survivors and hospitals are being overwhelmed by casualties. The quake struck about 15 miles south-southwest of the city of Yogyakarta and near the erupting volcano Mount Merapi. Scientists believe the quake could affect volcanic activity. The death toll rose sharply throughout Saturday, as teams reached disaster areas near the coast. The National Disaster Coordinating Agency said 2,091 of the deaths were in the area of Bantul, a district south of Yogyakarta near the Java coast. Deaths have also been reported in Yogyakarta and other communities. In Bantul, 1,892 were hurt. Property damage is said to be extensive and widespread. Many structures have been damaged or leveled, and many people might be trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings in Yogyakarta and other towns.