Jakarta, Jan. 16, (dpa/GNA) – A 5.0-magnitude aftershock on Saturday rattled residents in an Indonesian province where at least 45 were killed and more than 600 injured in a shallow earthquake.
Friday’s quake in West Sulawesi province toppled dozens of houses, trapping people beneath the rubble.
The death toll rose to 45 on Saturday, including 36 in the provincial capital, Mamuju, according to the local search and rescue agency.
There were no reports of further damage after the aftershock at 6:32 am (2332 GMT Friday), said Raditya Jati, spokesman for the National Disaster Management Agency.
“Further aftershocks are expected, so we advise residents to remain calm and alert,” he said.
Aid supplies and search personnel were flowing into the hardest-hit towns of Mamuju and Majene, the National Search and Rescue Agency said.
Workers distributed saltwater-powered lamps to residents staying in temporary shelters after their homes were flattened, Raditya said.
The earthquake also displaced more than 15,000 people and triggered at least three landslides, blocking roads linking Mamuju and Majene.
More than 300 homes were damaged or destroyed, officials said.
GNA