Peleng quake toll rises

PALU, Central Sulawesi: The death toll of an earthquake on May 4 in Peleng Island rose to 48 after another victim who had been treated in hospital died.

Djeraini, 67, a resident of Banggai islands died from on Wednesday after being treated for three weeks.

Director of Luwuk Hospital, Syaiful, said Djeraini suffered a fracture to his left leg after being hit by ruins following the earthquake.

"The wound was already was infected, so we had to amputate," Syaiful was quoted by Antara in Luwuk Banggai regency on Thursday.

According to Syaiful, 113 victims of the 6.5 Richter scale earthquake were still being treated at the hospital.

Meanwhile Banggai Regent Sudarto said some 2,500 people were still being sheltered at the Luwuk National building, following the earthquake. He estimates the number of those sheltering will continue to rise. (01)