In Indonesia, 63 dead in collapsed school, according to new report

Part of the multi-story Al-Khoziny Islamic School boarding school in Sidoarjo, Java, collapsed last Monday as some 150 students gathered for afternoon prayers.

Rescuers hope to complete the recovery of bodies by Monday and hand them over to their families, according to Yudhi Bramantyo, director of operations for the National Search and Rescue Agency.

A previous report on Monday indicated 54 deaths.

This is the deadliest disaster to hit Indonesia so far this year, said Budi Irawan, deputy director of the National Disaster Management Agency.

Rescue operations in the archipelago usually last a week, but authorities may extend them if there are indications that more victims may be found.

The families of the missing agreed on Thursday to the use of heavy machinery, after the end of the 72-hour "critical period" beyond which the chances of survival are very low.

Investigators have begun investigating the causes of the collapse of the building where construction work was underway. Experts say initial evidence suggests the construction was substandard.

Lax construction standards and site inspections are raising concerns about building safety in Indonesia.

In September, at least three people were killed and dozens injured when a building housing a prayer hall collapsed in West Java.