6.2 Magnitude Earthquake in Indonesia Kills 90 People
Hundreds Injured, Rescue Efforts Currently Underway
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Western portion of Sulawesi in Indonesia on January 15, killing at least 90 people and injuring over 932. The earthquake was felt for 5–7 seconds. The quake’s epicentre was six kilometres northeast of Majene, West Sulawesi at a depth of 10km.
This earthquake happened as a result of the Mamuju-Majene thrust fault line, which geological experts state will result in a major earthquake in the region every 75 years. The last damaging earthquake in the region was in 1969, which killed 664 people and injured thousands.
More than 300 houses have been destroyed and 15,000 people have been displaced. At least 2 hospitals in Western Sulawesi have been severely damaged, as well as multiple power stations, schools, and the region’s airport. The earthquake was felt in cities as far away as Makassar and Palau in the Southern and Eastern parts of the island. More than 485,000 people were affected by the natural disaster.
The Indonesian government has allocated $1.2 million in aid to the people affected by the earthquake. The Indonesian National Police, along with multiple regional governments and organizations, have sent over 136 personnel to assist in the search and rescue effort.
Written by Keevan Martanto
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