More than 200 aftershocks recorded following 6.5-magnitude Maluku quake, 23 reported dead

From Mohd Shukri Ishak

JAKARTA, Sept 27 -- A total of 23 casualties have so far been recorded following the 6.5-magnitude earthquake which struck Maluku, Indonesia, yesterday.

According to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), more than one hundred people have been reported injured, while thousands of people in Kota Ambon and Central Maluku have been evacuated to temporary relief centres, as aftershocks were still being felt.

Based on photos shared by BNPB, dozens of buildings and houses in Kota Ambon and the Central Maluku district were badly damaged, while roads and bridges were also cracked.

BNPB's Centre for Data, Information and Public Relations chief Agus Wibowo said local authorities were still searching for dead victims and assessing the damages to properties.

Meanwhile, according to the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), a total of 264 aftershocks (below magnitude-5 on Richter Scale) were recorded as of noon today (East Indonesian time).

The earthquake, centered 40km northeast of Ambon-Maluku at a depth of 10km, had caused locals to panic, and they rushed to high ground for fear of a tsunami, even though no tsunami alert was issued by the BMKG.

Meanwhile, Wisma Putra in a statement today said no Malaysians were harmed in the incident.

The ministry added that it was closely monitoring the situation through the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta.

It also sympathised with and expressed condolences to the families of the victims and residents affected by the natural disaster.

Malaysians in the affected areas who need consular assistance are advised to contact the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta as follows:

EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA, JAKARTA

Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said

Kav. X/6 No 1-3, Kuningan

Jakarta Selatan, 12950

Republik Indonesia

Tel. : +622 522 4947 dan +62 813 8081 3036

E-mel : mwjakarta@kln.gov.my

WISMA PUTRA : 03-8887 4530 / 03-8887 4570 (after working hours)

-- BERNAMA