The official death toll for the disasters stands at 2,073. But the number of those still missing could be as high as 5,000, after the quake caused the ground to liquefy.
Prisoners at the Donggala District Prison rioted as the earthquake and tsunami hit last month. The warden opened the doors — but now, after checking on their families, many inmates have come back.
Nearly a week since a huge earthquake and tsunami, rescuer and relief workers are fighting to overcome delays and despair in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the death toll has grown to more than 1,500 people.
The disasters crippled communications and damaged roads — problems that are also complicating efforts to bring aid to the city of Palu and other affected areas.
Communications are still down to some of the hardest-hit regions on the island of Sulawesi. "This is already a tragedy, but it could get much worse," says one aid official.
Relief agencies are having trouble reaching stricken areas, setting off looting of stores and aid supplies. The death toll from the tsunami and quake could rise further, officials warn.
The 7.5 magnitude quake, with an epicenter about 50 miles north of Palu, was just six miles deep. A tsunami later caused damage in two cities, according to Indonesian officials.
Damaging aftershocks continue to shake the island of Lombak, which suffered a deadly earthquake on Sunday. Rescue workers are struggling to reach the injured in some remote areas.