Indonesia rattled by tremors; 6.2 magnitude quake reported

Sulawesi Island, Apr 25: Fresh tremors were felt in parts of eastern Indonesia as a strong earthquake hit the area early Monday. Though there are no reports of major casualties, there were damages to buildings and houses. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 6.2 magnitude quake that struck the southeastern tip of Sulawesi island. The initial quake was followed by three aftershocks.

The tremor was centered 45 miles (75 kilometers) southeast of Kendari. The point is 6 miles (9 kilometers) beneath the earth's crust. Experts have opined that the quake was shallow that could mean more damage.

A police officer, Lt. Laode Surachman has been quoted as saying, "Women and children were screaming as they ran from their homes and into nearby fields." He added that the patients within hospitals and guests in hotels were evacuated immediately.

Indonesia is prone to a large number of volcanic and seismic activity and has always born the brunt of such deadly natural calamities over years. The country had been the victim of a deadly tsunami on Dec 26, 2004 killing 230,000 people.

OneIndia News