国际英语资讯:Number of injured in Indonesia tsunami surges to over 14,000_时事

国际英语资讯:Number of injured in Indonesia tsunami surges to over 14,000

JAKARTA, Dec. 31 -- The number of injured in the volcano-triggered tsunami along the coast of Sunda Strait in Indonesia jumped significantly to 14,059 from 7,202 reported last Friday, as search and rescue operations continued, the country's disaster management agency said on Monday.

The tsunami on Dec. 22, triggered by the eruption of Anak Krakatau volcano and the ensuing underwater landslide, also destroyed 2,752 houses and 510 ships, said spokesman of national disaster management agency Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

Search and rescue operations continued as many were believed to remain missing in the provinces of Banten and Lampung, with the emergency status being extended.

Over 2,000 soldiers and police, along with personnel of search and rescue office and disaster management agency office, as well as volunteers, were involved in the search mission and emergency relief work, Sutopo added.

Emergency status in Lampung Selatan district of Lampung province has been extended for one week since Dec. 29, said Sutopo.

"It is because many victims remain missing. Besides, the damages, and the number of evacuee keep rising," Sutopo told Xinhua in a text message.

The official said the death toll remained unchanged at 437 and the total number of displaced persons was put lower to 33,719, after reaching a peak of 40,386 on Friday.

Pandeglang district of Banten province was the worst hit area, said Sutopo, adding that giant waves also destructed Serang district of the province, and the districts of Panawaraan, Lampung Selatan and Tenggamus of Lampung province.