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)