The city center of Gunugsitoli on Nias Island lies in ruins yesterday after a potent 8.7-magnitude earthquake hammered Indonesia's west coast, burying victims in collapsed homes. By last night 330 bodies had been recovered. -- Xinhua

With electricity cut by Monday's 8.5-magnitude earthquake, Indonesian rescuers on the small island of Nias depended on candlelights when evacuating victims Tuesday evening.

The rescuers, who are in a very small number, cannot rely much on local residents as most of them have fled the scene for fear oftsunami, reported the Detikcom online news service.

"The number of relief workers and security officers is very limited here," Father Adi, who is in Nias for missionary works, was quoted as saying.

He said his team has evacuated 27 bodies in the town of Gunung Sitoli.

"There is only one doctor here," he said.

The government relief team cannot immediately reach Nias and nearby island of Simeuleu as the quake has destroyed airport and roads.

Detikcom reported that the disaster has killed 320 people in Nias and 100 others in Simeuleu, but there are conflicting reportsof death toll.