Earthquake in Indonesia Claims at Least 6 Lives

A severe earthquake on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island has claimed at least six lives. Rescue efforts continue as emergency personnel work to save citizens trapped under the rubble.

Hundreds of people were injured in the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Sulawesi island in Indonesia, with 200 of them reported to have sustained severe injuries.

At least six people have died so far, but rescue and relief forces continue their efforts to pull victims from under the debris.

Several houses and buildings in the area have collapsed or been damaged. Two hospital buildings and the city hall building in the city of Mamuju have collapsed.

Muhammad Idris, spokesman for the island’s governor, said: “We are currently trying to pull people out from under the debris of the city hall building. They are trapped under the rubble and we can hear their voices.”

Many people are still trapped under the rubble, and rescue workers are waiting to receive more equipped tools to save them.

The earthquake occurred around 1:30 AM on Friday, January 15, local time, with its epicenter in the western part of the island.

As a result of the earthquake, approximately two thousand people have left their homes. The previous day (Thursday), a 5.9 magnitude earthquake had shaken the region.

Sulawesi island is located between Borneo and New Guinea.

Source: DW