Indonesia fears soaring death toll from quake, tsunami

Indonesian Vice PresidentJusuf Kalla said Tuesday he estimated the death toll from the Sunday's quake and tidal wave could soar up to 25,000 in Aceh following an aerial inspection above Meulaboh coastline in the province.

Kalla said he witnessed most of houses and buildings were completely destroyed in the regency, a home to between 50,000 and 60,000 residents.

"I estimate the death toll could reach 20,000 to 25,000," he told a press conference at the air force base in the North Sumatra capital of Medan.

"We can only pray," he added.

Aceh was the hardest hit by a tsunami following a 8.7-magnitudequake off its coastline. At least 4,700 people have been confirmed dead so far.

Source: Xinhua