More than 12,300 people are feared dead in the massive earthquakes and tsunamis that have ripped through the countries bordering the Indian Ocean.

Indonesia's Health Ministry says over 44 hundred nationals have been killed in tsunamis triggered by the 8.9-force earthquake that struck the west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on the relevant government departments to try to rescue those stranded in the disaster-hit region.

In India, at least three thousand people have been killed by the tsunami and hundreds are still missing. Indian Prime Minister Mamohan Singh has promised his government will provide all necessary assistance to the victims.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government has confirmed over 45 hundred deaths and the lives of more than one million affected by the tsunami. Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga cut short her visit to Britain to return home.

A further 392 people were killed on Phuket island, a popular tourist resort in southern Thailand.

In Malaysia the death toll has climbed to 42 and in Maldives at least 15 people have lost their lives.