Indonesia earthquake: 25 people dead, over hundred injured

A powerful earthquake struck the Indonesian Island of Sumatra on Wednesday morning as most people were getting up for their morning prayers. According to the details provided, the earthquake measured 6.5 on the Richter scale but because it was closer to the surface of the earth, the intensity was more.

The earthquake struck Indonesia’s Aceh province and the maximum amount of damage was caused at Pidie Jaya district, which is a predominantly Muslim region. Mosques, shops and houses were flattened by the force of the earthquake and people were seen scrambling from their homes to the safety of the open sky.

The small town of Meureudu saw the maximum amount of damage and the only hospital in the region was bombarded with injured who had to be treated immediately.

The head of the local disaster agency, Puteh Manaf told reporters that the hospital was overwhelmed by the numbers of injured people which were brought in after the earthquake.

“The data we have now is that 25 people have been killed and hundreds are estimated to have suffered injuries,” he told AFP.

Rescue operations were immediately started after the first major earthquake struck. A number of people are still stuck inside the rubble and heavy machinery was being employed to help those who were trapped.

Despite the intensity of the earthquake, no tsunami warning was issued, even though there were several aftershocks which were felt.

Witnesses reported seeing people running in the neighborhood unable to return to their homes because of the destruction caused.

Seismologists reported that the tremors were felt across much of the Aceh province and that aftershocks will be experienced for the coming few days.

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Posted by fatimaarshad on Dec 7 2016. Filed under World. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.