Banda Aceh, (Antara) - The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Pidie Jaya District has reported that the earthquake that hit the district on Wednesday morning has claimed at least 25 lives while hundreds of others were injured.
Head of the BPBD Pidie Jaya Puteh A Manaf said on Wednesday that the victims had died after being struck by collapsing buildings. "Provisional data showed that 25 people were killed and hundreds of others were injured."
Puteh also mentioned that the BPBD of Pidie Jaya had recorded the destruction of 98 shophouses as a result of the quake, which occurred minutes before prayers were to be held.
"The worst hit areas are in Meureudu, the district capital of Pidie Jaya, and Ulee Gle. Many victims are from these two areas. They were struck by falling debris," he stated.
According to Puteh, the BPDB, assisted by police and military personnel, is evacuating the victims. The number of victims is expected to increase over time.
The epicenter of the quake was located at 5.19 degrees northern latitude and 96.36 degrees eastern longitude, at a depth of 10 km, some 18 km northeast of Pidie Jaya.
The tremor occurred at 5:03 a.m. local time and was felt in Pidie Jaya, Pidie, Aceh Besar, Sabang, Bireun, and Lhokseumawe.
"Following the 6.4-magnitude earthquake, there were four aftershocks, but they had no potential to trigger a tsunami. However, the public are advised to stay vigilant against more aftershocks," Head of the Sabang Meteorology Office Siswanto announced.
An earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter scale is capable of causing considerable damage, while a 6 on the scale can cause severe damage.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) sent his chief presidential staff Teten Masduki to Aceh to observe the aftermath of the disaster.
"I have ordered everyone to act according to their respective authorities. The chief of the presidential staff will also leave for Aceh," President Jokowi said at the State Palace on Wednesday.
The president noted that he had received a report on the earthquake: "An earthquake occurred in Aceh. I have received a report on it."
The Geology Office said it will send its own team to Pidie Jaya.
Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa is scheduled to visit Aceh as well to see the extent of the damage and provide aid relief to people whose houses have been destroyed, especially in Pidie Jaya.(*)
