Quake rocks S. Sulawesi, killing at least 16 people
Quake rocks S. Sulawesi, killing at least 16 people
UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): At least 12 people were
killed when an earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale
shook South Sulawesi yesterday morning.
The towns of Pinrang, thought to be the closest to the quake's
epicenter, and nearby Parepare were the worst hit, but tremors
were felt all the way to Ujungpandang, some 200 kilometers away.
Five people died in Pinrang while seven were found dead in
Parepare. They were either killed by falling debris while trying
to escape or trapped inside buildings.
Dozens are reportedly still in hospital in the two cities
suffering from various injuries, while more than 34 houses were
reportedly destroyed in Pinrang.
The town of Parepare, the second largest in the province, has
a population of over 100,000, while some 300,000 people are
registered to be living in Pinrang.
The quake hit at 8:30 a.m. Central Indonesian Time and lasted
for about 30 seconds.
In Pinrang, many were either spending a lazy Sunday morning at
home or shopping at the local market when the quake occurred.
Many scurried out of their houses and buildings when they felt
the quake.
A man who was in his car at the time jumped out when he felt
his car shaking.
"My car, which was in neutral gear, suddenly started moving
backwards," said the man. "It moved a whole meter by itself
before I jumped out".
In Parepare, Antara reported that hundreds of buildings were
destroyed along with six cars which were caught underneath
debris.
Thirty people are being treated for wounds in two hospitals in
the city.
Armed Forces personnel stationed in the area reacted quickly
in aiding residents.
Commander of the district military command Lt. Col. Budi
Purwanto warned residents in Parepare and surrounding areas to be
ready for possible aftershocks.
"It's probably best for people to be out of the house for now
just in case there are ensuing quakes," he said as quoted by
Antara in Parepare.
He added that security forces in Parepare were on alert to
assist residents and avert any unnecessary incidents.
The National Aviation and Aeronautical Institute in Parepare
assured there was no sign of any follow-up quake.
Some mild tremors were felt soon after the initial quake but
reportedly caused no damage.
The local administration in Parepare and Pinrang have set up
several emergency shelters. Tents were set up in open areas as it
was still deemed unsafe to enter buildings.
So far there has been no immediate report on how many people
were left homeless by the quake. (30/31)