National Post (National Edition)
Indonesia earthquake kills at least 42, injures hundreds
Thousands flee in fear of tsunami, aftershocks
JAKARTA • A powerful earthquake killed at least 42 people and injured hundreds on Indonesia's island of Sulawesi on Friday, trapping several under rubble and unleashing dozens of aftershocks as authorities warned of more quakes that could trigger a tsunami.
Thousands of frightened residents fled their homes for higher ground when the 6.2-magnitude quake struck six kilometres northeast of the town of Majene, at a depth of just 10 km, shortly before 1:30 a.m.
The quake and aftershocks damaged more than 300 homes and two hotels, as well as flattening a hospital and the office of a regional governor, where several people were trapped under the rubble.
“Praise be to God, for now OK, but we just felt another aftershock,” said Sukri Efendy, a 26-year-old resident.
As many as 42 people have been killed, in Mamuju and Majene, the country's national disaster mitigation agency said in a report Friday. More than 820 people were injured, it said.
The heightened seismic activity set off three landslides, severed electricity supplies, and damaged bridges linking to regional hubs, such as the city of Makassar. Heavy rain was also worsening conditions for those seeking shelter.
No tsunami warning was issued but aftershocks or another powerful quake that could trigger a tsunami were possible.
There had been at least 26 aftershocks, she said, with Friday's quake preceded by a quake of 5.9 magnitude the previous day.
Mamuju resident Muhammad Ansari Iriyanto, 31, told Reuters that everyone panicked and sought refuge in the nearby hills.
“Mamuju is now empty, everyone went to the mountains,” he said. “Lots of buildings collapsed and people are afraid of a tsunami.”
Videos shared on social media showed residents fleeing to higher ground on motorcycles, and a young girl trapped under rubble as people tried to shift debris with their hands. Rescue workers used cutting and lifting equipment to free survivors and find the dead.
President Joko Widodo offered condolences to the victims, urging people to stay calm and authorities to step up search efforts.
Emerging workers are trying to restore telecom service and bridge links and ensure the delivery of tents, food and medical supplies.
About 15,000 people have fled their homes since the quake, with the coronavirus pandemic likely to complicate the distribution of aid.
“It is certainly one of the most challenging, this (disaster) was one of our fears and now we are putting all of that planning and protocols into place,” said Jan Gelfand, head of the International Federation of Red Cross in Indonesia.
Straddling the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is regularly hit by earthquakes.
In 2018, a devastating 6.2-magnitude quake and subsequent tsunami struck the city of Palu, in Sulawesi, killing thousands.
A 9.1-magnitude quake off the north of Sumatra island triggered a tsunami on Boxing Day in 2004 that lashed coastal areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and nine other nations, killing more than 230,000.
MAMUJU IS NOW EMPTY, EVERYONE WENT TO THE MOUNTAINS.