Terrible earthquake in Indonesia has claimed an estimated 14,000 lives although it is quite possible that this number could climb much higher. See Tim Blair for many links about what is going on.

There are estimated to be close to 6,000 Australians in the affected areas. If you are concerned about a friend or family member overseas, the DFAT has established a hotline at 1800 002 214 if you need to check up on them, and has issued this bulletin for anyone that needs to travel there anytime soon.

Troppo condolences for the people who have lost lives, homes, livelihoods, loved ones and generally had their communities smashed.