Indonesia Earthquake-Tsunami toll reaches 832, over 500 injured, thousands homeless in Sulawesi Island

Amid the roar of the onrushing sea and terrified cries for help, the massive tsunami accompanied by a powerful earthquake on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has claimed 832 lives, state media confirmed Sunday morning. Besides, over 500 people are lying on different hospital beds and have been struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. Thousands of families have been left homeless by the gigantic disaster, which hit the Indonesian city of Palu late Friday evening.

Giving the latest toll in the coastal city of Palu, the national disaster agency said casualties are "increasing" as news arrived from remote areas cut off by the 7.5-magnitude earthquake and 1.5-metre high tsunami at the region.

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Here are the LIVE updates on Indonesia Tsunami and Earthquake:

# 12:20 pm: At least 832 dead in Indonesia quake-tsunami disaster, according to officials.

At least 832 dead in Indonesia quake-tsunami disaster: official (AFP) pic.twitter.com/EEw5Ih75iS

— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2018

# 10:44 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday condoled the loss of lives in the tsunami which hit parts of Indonesia, saying India stands with its maritime neighbour in this difficult hour.

Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and devastation due to tsunami and earthquake in Central Sulawesi in Indonesia. I offer deepest condolences. India stands with its maritime neighbour in this difficult hour: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 30, 2018

# 07:30 am: Dramatic video footage captured from the top floor of a parking ramp in Palu:

I just opened my watsap grup and This Tsunami seen on Palu, Sulawesi. They recorded this in the top floor of the mall. Our friend's family confirmed this.. #PrayForDonggala Celebes Sulawesi Indonesia 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vlTmDjCp3h

— WID (@wjjeje) September 28, 2018

# 07:10 am: Survivors sifted through a tangled mess of corrugated steel roofing, timber, rubble and flotsam up to 50 metres inland, according to authorities.

# 07:00 am: Indonesian president Joko Widodo said the military was being called into the region to help search-and-rescue teams get to victims and find bodies.

# 06:30 am: The death toll is expected to rise sharply on Sunday, says authority.

# 06:27 am: More than 400 people were confirmed killed, many swept away as tsunami waves triggered by a massive earthquake crashed into the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

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More than 400 people were confirmed killed, many swept away as tsunami waves triggered by a massive earthquake crashed into the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, authorities expect the toll to rise sharply on Sunday as news arrives from remote areas: Reuters

— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2018

However, search and rescue operations are underway at the stricken region with survivors helping to retrieve the remains of those killed. About 17,000 people had been evacuated so far, the disaster agency said.

Furthermore, some government planes are carrying relief supplies and managed to land at the main airport in Palu. However, the airport would likely remain closed to commercial flights for days in the view of this natural calamity in the Southeast Asian archipelago.

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The tsunami was triggered by a strong quake that brought down buildings and sent locals fleeing for higher ground as a churning wall of water crashed into Palu, a city of 350,000 people. Dramatic video footage captured from the top floor of a parking ramp in Palu showed waves bring down several buildings and inundate a large mosque.