JAKARTA, Jan 15 (NNN-Bernama) — The Indonesian authorities have warned that a stronger earthquake, which can trigger a tsunami in West Sulawesi, can occur, following an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter Scale in the area early Friday morning.
Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) Agency chief Dwikorita Karnawati, in a media release through webinar, said 28 aftershocks measuring below five on the Richter Scale took place in the area until 10 am.
According to an analysis by BMKG, the quake was caused by movements of rocks and earth at the Mamuju Ascend Fault which was a repeat of the incidents in 1969 and 1984. Both incidents caused 6.9 and 6.7-magnitude earthquakes, respectively.
‘’A stronger earthquake can trigger a landslide at the bottom of the sea which can cause a tsunami,’’ said Dwikorita.
The Indonesian authorities had issued a directive to residents in the area to steer clear of the beaches and hillsides because the follow-up quake had the potential of triggering a tsunami or landslide.
Meanwhile, Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Disaster Communication and Information, Data Centre chief, Dr Raditya Jati, in a statement, said the search and rescue (SAR) team had been mobilised to the area the earthquake had taken place.
The agencies involved in the SAR included BNPB, National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), military and police.
It is feared that there were many casualties when the earthquake took place early this morning demolishing buildings and houses and causing landslides.
The earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter Scale, epi-centred at 6 kilometre (km) North East Majene, West Sulawesi at a depth of 10 km.
BNPB, in a statement as of 11 am Friday, said over 600 were injured, hundreds of houses and buildings including the Mitra Manakarra Mamuja Hospital collapsed while 15,000 residents were housed a temporary relief centres.
West Sulawesi District Disaster Management Agency chief, Darno Majid told local television that 16 people were found dead as of Friday at 12 noon and the SAR team were still trying to find those who were feared buried in the ruins.
“Electricity supply is disrupted in Majene and Mamuju and the communication network is also unstable,’’ he added.
— NNN-BERNAMA