An earthquake hit the western part of Sulawesi Island. This was in the early morning after 1 a.m. on January 15th. The magnitude of the earthquake is measured at 6.2 on the Richter scale. The epicentre of the earthquake is determined near the city of Majene. It was 6km northeast of the city at a depth of 10km. The situation currently is still developing possibilities of aftershocks. Also, triggering the warnings for Tsunami.
This is reportedly the third deadly disaster in a week. The strong earthquake killed a total of 46 people. Along with the lives, it destroyed houses, flattened a hospital and set off landslide disasters. The earthquake has destroyed the hospital ‘Mitra Manakarra’ which was located in Mamuju as well. The deadly earthquake has leftover 800 people injured. Also, this natural disaster has forced more than 15,000 people to displace and take shelter somewhere else.
An estimate of 19 people has suffered serious injuries along with 639 people with minor injuries. The government has reported that those with serious injuries are receiving treatments in hospitals and field hospitals.
The country observed and recorded six shocks of magnitude 2.9 and above in the last 12 hours before the major one struck. Moreover, Indonesians observed 9 aftershocks in an hour that followed after the 6.2 magnitudes of the quake. Similarly, in 2004, the country recorded a massive earthquake of magnitude 9.1 at Sumatra Island, which triggered tsunami waves and killed more than 230,000 people.
Warning and Improvements for Indonesia
Indonesia currently is sitting on the professed Ring of Fire. A line of seismic and volcanic movements that rings much of the Pacific Ocean and is highly susceptive to shocks and tsunamis. Moreover, the Director of the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology and Climatology has forecasted extreme weather conditions.
Currently, many military engineers are trying to clear the debris and try to retrieve bodies. The power supply and communication facilities are also on their way of improvement. The military is also clearing the roads connecting Mamuju and Majene, and providing relief goods as well.
