Indonesian officials say the death toll from last week's earthquake and tsunami in Sulawesi province has risen to 1,424. Nearly a week after the disaster left tens of thousands of people homeless, and in dire need of humanitarian aid, many are doing everything they can to stay alive. Tony Cheng reports.

An Indonesian Navy frigate sits in the damaged harbour outside Palu. On board, volunteers pass boxes of aid. These supplies are desperately needed, but some say it's too little too late. The boat is also a way out for those still traumatized by the Tsunami.

EVACUEE "I was sitting in my house when all of a sudden the water came pouring in. I grabbed my son and I just ran."

For some, it presents an impossible choice. Members of this extended family angrily scream at each other, who should stay? who should go? The husband desperately wants his wife and son to remain, the matriarch says no. One final tearful embrace and he is led away. She may now be safe, but the pain remains. Armed soldiers on the streets of Palu, is one of the reasons why. Looting is rife, as food and water is scarce. The soldiers order these looters out of a shopping mall. Sheepishly they leave, but they'll be back. And on the ravaged coastline, those left behind search the tsunami debris for anything they can use. Relief has been so slow, many are left to scavenge in the filth and rubbish.

TONY CHENG PALU, INDONESIA "It's a sign of the desperation in Palu that a week after the tsunami hit this beach they're sifting through the debris trying to find anything they can use. These people aren't looters, they're just trying to find a way to survive."

These women were searching for pillows for their families in the camps. The strong smell of decomposing corpses didn't put them off. It's because we have nothing left, they told me and we can wash these at the evacuation center, says her friend. And that is the choice facing the people here, try to escape or stay with the knowledge you'll have to do anything to survive, Tony Cheng, CGTN, Palu, Indonesia.