JAKARTA, Aug 17 — At least 29 people were injured, including two in a critical condition, after a magnitude-6 earthquake struck the island of Sulawesi in central Indonesia on Sunday morning, German Press Agency (dpa) reported, citing an official.
Thirteen of the injured have been rushed to medical facilities in Central Sulawesi province’s Poso and Tokorondo districts due to injuries sustained by the falling debris from a damaged house of worship, said Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
The quake also damaged a church in Masani village, while the number of displaced residents is still being verified. The quake struck Poso at 5.38am on Sunday (2138 GMT Saturday) with the epicentre at a depth of 10 kilometres.
The authorities said there was no potential for a tsunami. The tremor, which lasted about 15 seconds, was strongly felt in several villages in Poso Pesisir district, prompting residents to flee their homes.
In neighbouring Sigi district, the quake was felt moderately for about seven seconds, but no casualties or damage were reported.
Abdul Muhari said residents have been urged to stay alert for aftershocks and avoid damaged buildings.
