UPDATED: Earthquake in Indonesia kills at least 34, injures hundreds

World

Published: 2021-01-15 11:19

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 22:59


UPDATED: Earthquake in Indonesia kills at least 34, injures hundreds
UPDATED: Earthquake in Indonesia kills at least 34, injures hundreds

At least 34 people were killed and hundreds were injured Friday due to a 6.2-magnitute earthquake in Sulawesi island in Indonesia, according to the country's disaster mitigation agency. The earthquake struck at 1:28 AM local time at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency.

Many people are currently trapped under collapsed buildings, according to Indonesian search and rescue teams. The head of local search and rescue agency of Mamuju West Sulawesi Saidar Rahmanjaya said "Our obstacles here are that we don't have heavy equipment to rescue them," and the lack of communication among rescue teams. The local telephone networks were down following the earthquake. Rahmanjaya added that people were in urgent need of rescue in eight different locations.

The country's National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) said more than 15,000 citizens have been displaced and at least 300 houses were damaged. Thousands fled their homes seeking safety after the earthquake, which was felt for five to seven seconds.

Among the buildings that were badly damaged, were the military command office in Majene, the Mitra Manakara private hospital, as well as other hotels and government buildings in the neighboring Mamuju area.

The Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman al-Safadi tweeted, "Our prayers are with the victims of the terrible earthquake in #Indonesia & wishes for the recovery of the wounded. I called dear colleague @Menlu_RI to present Kingdom’s condolences. At the directives of His Majesty, we stand ready to offer any assistance needed."