Jakarta. The death toll in last week's magnitude-7.4 earthquake, followed by a tsunami, that hit Palu and Donggala in Central Sulawesi, had risen to 844, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, or BNPB, said on Monday (01/10).

BNPB spokesman Sutopo Nugroho said the number of victims is still expected to rise, as rescue operations face considerable challenges in recovering bodies from affected areas due to a shortage of heavy equipment and rescue personnel, as well as impaired electricity supply.

The agency also announced that 744 of the deceased have been identified so far.

"The areas affected by the quake and tsunami are extensive, and we have limited resources. The integrated search and rescue teams still needs additional personnel" Sutopo said at a press conference in Jakarta.

He added at least 90 people are still missing and 632 seriously injured. In addition, 48,025 have been displaced in Palu, though the agency has yet to determine the numbers for Donggala, Parigi Moutong and Sigi.

The government is prioritizing the evacuation of victims, bringing in fuel and logistical supplies, and restoration of the electricity supply and telecommunications, which were still cut off in certain areas by Monday.

A mass grave is also being prepared for at least 1,000 bodies.

The earthquake caused a 3-meter-high tsunami. Most victims are reportedly still trapped under the rubble.

Sutopo said that when the disaster struck, there were 114 foreign citizens in Palu and Donggala, most of whom have now been evacuated.

However, eight of them – from France, Belgium and South Korea – are still missing.

Central Sulawesi is in urgent need of fuel and basic aid, including tents, clothing, medicine and instant noodles, according to the BNPB.

As of 11 a.m. on Monday, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 254 aftershocks, nine of which could be felt.

"Based on our observations, these aftershocks show a reduced intensity, and we are hoping there would not suddenly be a massive aftershock," Sutopo said.