Bad roads and poor equipment hamper Indonesia earthquake rescue which killed 42 people

Bad roads and poor equipment hamper Indonesia earthquake rescue which killed 42 people

At least 300 houses in Majene were damaged and about 15,000 people moved to shelters. Many survivors said that aid has not reached them yet due to damaged roads and disrupted communications

AgenciesUpdated: Saturday, January 16, 2021, 10:18 PM IST
article-image
PIC: AFP

Damaged roads and bridges, power blackouts and lack of heavy equipment on Saturday hampered Indonesia's rescuers after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake left at least 42 dead and hundreds injured on Sulawesi island.

Operations were focused on about 10 locations in the hardest-hit city of Mamuju, where people are still believed trapped following Friday's nighttime quake, said Saidar Rahmanjaya, who heads the local search and rescue agency.

Cargo planes carrying food, tents, blankets and other supplies from Jakarta landed late Friday for distribution in temporary shelters. Still, thousands spent the night in the open fearing aftershocks and a possible tsunami.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency's spokesperson Raditya Jati said 34 people were killed in Mamuju and nearly 200 hospitalized.

The nearby district of Majene was also ravaged, leaving at least eight dead and more than 630 injured, he said.

At least 300 houses in Majene were damaged and about 15,000 people moved to shelters. Many survivors said that aid has not reached them yet due to damaged roads and disrupted communications.

RECENT STORIES

Facing Corruption Cases, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Submits Pardon Request to President Herzog

Facing Corruption Cases, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Submits Pardon Request to President Herzog

Massive Western Sydney Industrial Blaze Sends Fireball Skyward As Explosions Rock Suburbs;...

Massive Western Sydney Industrial Blaze Sends Fireball Skyward As Explosions Rock Suburbs;...

California Mass Shooting: Attack At Birthday Party Leaves 4 Dead, 10 Injured Including Children;...

California Mass Shooting: Attack At Birthday Party Leaves 4 Dead, 10 Injured Including Children;...

German MP Julian Schmidt Kicked, Punched In Giessen Protest Clash - VIDEO

German MP Julian Schmidt Kicked, Punched In Giessen Protest Clash - VIDEO

Cyclone Ditwah: Strong Winds, Rough Seas Hit Puducherry; Tourists Share Experiences

Cyclone Ditwah: Strong Winds, Rough Seas Hit Puducherry; Tourists Share Experiences