The emergency teams admitted they were short of the materials needed for such a dangerous and difficult operation.
"We have problems with equipment. We urgently need electric cutters and medium-sized excavators to remove the debris," said Febi Dwirahmadi, 28, a public health official with the Red Cross.
"I ask rescue workers to continue working in teams with clear goals to keep looking for survivors," he said. "This is a natural disaster, so let us remain strong in dealing with it."
Last night there were still no reports of any Australians killed or injured in Wednesday's earthquake.
Kevin Rudd said last night about 60 Australians thought to have been in the West Sumatra region remained unaccounted for.
"Officials are working around the clock to confirm the safety and well being of the remaining Australians thought to be in Sumatra," the Prime Minister said. "Our highest priority is to identify any Australians who have been affected and to get them all the help and support that they may need."
The Australian embassy in Jakarta is contacting hospitals in the affected area to identify any Australians who may have been injured.
The Australian Defence Force and civilian government agencies have mounted a major relief mission to assist the Indonesian government in West Sumatra with three RAAF transport aircraft being dispatched yesterday.
An RAAF C-130 Hercules carrying engineering and health teams was due to arrive in Indonesia last night together with a C-17 transport carrying a 44-strong volunteer urban search and rescue team from Brisbane.
A second C-17 is also being sent with surgical, primary health, environmental health, psychology and pharmaceutical teams.
"Australia maintains relief supplies in Indonesia in preparation for these types of emergencies. These stores have been released to the Red Cross in Indonesia to respond to immediate medical and shelter needs," Mr Rudd said.
The amphibious ship HMAS Kanimbla is being prepared for departure from Sydney today with necessary equipment, including a fully-equipped hospital and Sea King helicopter.
The government has already sent embassy officials from Jakarta to West Sumatra, including four from AusAID, DFAT consular staff and an AFP officer.
The US has pledged up to $3.7million in aid, with President Barack Obama saying he was "deeply moved" by the earthquake tragedy.
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