Indonesia: Flores earthquake death toll rises to 47
Jakarta, Aug 15 (IANS) The death toll from a 7.7-magnitude earthquake and several strong aftershocks that struck off the coast of Flores Island in eastern Indonesia has risen to 47, the country’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said Saturday.
In its latest update, the BNPB said at least 346 houses have been damaged, including 157 that were severely damaged, 41 moderately damaged, and 148 slightly damaged.
The earthquake also damaged public facilities, including 87 educational facilities, 18 health facilities, five places of worship, and six government offices, according to the agency.
Melki Laka Lena, governor of East Nusa Tenggara province, told a press conference in Kupang on Saturday that some roads were cut off or blocked by landslides, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The BNPB has dispatched food and other relief supplies to the affected areas, including supplies from a logistics warehouse in East Flores Regency. Relief supplies are also being sent from Jakarta via the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base.
Following the earthquake, several flights in East Nusa Tenggara province were cancelled.
The earthquake, centred near Mbay town in Nagekeo Regency, struck early Saturday and triggered a tsunami warning that was later lifted by Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency.
Rescue teams are continuing to assess casualties and damage across the affected areas.
A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s North Sumatra province on Saturday, the second strong quake to hit the country in a single day, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
According to BMKG, the earthquake occurred at 5:54 pm local time. Its epicentre was located on land about 11 km southeast of Simalungun in North Sumatra, at a depth of 163 km.
The quake was felt in several areas of North Sumatra, BMKG said, adding that it has no tsunami potential.
There are no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
–IANS
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