Casualty rates ‘defy imagination’ in aid battle

AN ARMY of aid workers faced a race against the clock to supply food and water to millions of tsunami victims yesterday as logistical problems continued to hamper relief efforts.

Efforts were delayed for several hours after the runway at an Indonesian airport, serving as a key hub for relief shipments, was blocked after a plane hit a herd of cows.

A top United Nations official warned the toll of about 150,000 known dead would rise as more bodies were found and survivors fell sick.