Mud threatens quake-hit town
UJUNGPANDANG, S. Sulawesi (JP): Following Sunday's earthquake, mud has started to spew from the earth, threatening the well- being of residents of Pinrang regency, some 200 kilometers north of here.
The mud gushed out of cracks in the earth caused by the quake in areas including Jl. Abdullah, Jl. Ahmad Yani, Jl. Cempaka, Jl. Melati and Lasinrang soccer field.
The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency detected yesterday 16 more tremors in the neighboring towns of Parepare and Sidrab. The sporadic minor quakes discouraged residents, who sought safety in open spaces, from returning home. Many fled to other towns.
Local authorities called on residents to remain vigilant.
Business activities came to a halt because of widespread fright.
Search and rescue workers found yesterday two more bodies in Pinrang, the area closest to the quake's epicenter, bringing the death toll to 18.
The latest casualties were identified as Vonny Hao, 52, and Ramli, 65. Vonny died of a heart attack, while Ramli died a few hours after receiving medical treatment.
Others killed in the earthquake, which measured 6.4 on the Richter scale, include Subaedah, 43, Yusnarui, 40, Arifin, 48, Indo Upe, 50, Boruga, 50, Chandra 42, Leo Hari T, 49, and Indo Djuma, 40.
As of yesterday, nine people in Pinrang died in the earthquake, another eight in Parepare and one in Sidrab. They were buried yesterday.
Rescue workers continued searching for other victims among the rubble of wrecked buildings yesterday.
Some 600 buildings were damaged in the quake, causing Rp 6.6 billion (US$2.1 million) in losses. Pinrang suffered an estimated Rp 4.6 billion in damages.
Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Azwar Anas visited yesterday 33 injured people who were receiving medical treatment at Sumantri and Fatima hospitals in Parepare and Lasinrang hospital in Pinrang.
South Sulawesi Vice Governor Masnawi A.S. accompanied Azwar during the visit. Governor Z.B. Palaguna was on duty in Jakarta.
Meanwhile, chief of the provincial military command, Col. Harry Kosasih, said the security authorities had dispatched 300 personnel to bring relief to the victims. (30/31/37)