An earthquake of the magnitude of 6.2 in Sulawesi in Indonesia claimed four lives and injured several people on Friday. The epicentre of the earthquake was six kilometres northeast of Majene city at a depth of 10 kilometres. The seven second earthquake which occured at 1:00am local time came hours after a smaller earthquake.
More than a dozen patients and staff are reported to be trapped in the rubble which was affected by the earthquake. Attempts are being made to rescue those trapped under the rubble. Meanwhile in other parts of the affected areas, people have left their homes while feeling to safety.
There are possibilities of larger aftershocks which could trigger a tsumani which authorities have warned of. The earthquake has damaged buildings include homes, two hotels, the governor’s office and a mall.
Around 600 were injured, while another three people died in neighbouring Mamuju. Indonesia has been prone to earthquakes due to the so-called Ring of Fire which is a line of frequent quakes and volcanic eruptions on the Pacific rim.
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History of earthquakes and tsunamis in Indonesia
2004 – 226,000 people were killed across the Indian Ocean of which more than 120,000 people were from Indonesia in a tsunami triggered by an earthquake off the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
2004 – 170,000 people were killed on the Indonesian island of Sumatra after a quake of magnitude 9.1.