BNPB Records 8 Death Tolls from Majene, West Sulawesi Earthquake

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Majene, West Sulawesi, as of 11 a.m., recorded eight death tolls from the 6.2-magnitude earthquake that struck the region in the early hours of Friday, Jan. 15. 

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Radiya Jati said 637 residents were injured and 15,000 others were evacuated. The BPBD is still collecting data and conducting rapid assessments in the field.

"Damaged buildings in the regency include 62 houses, one health center, and one Maluda military command post. There is a power outage, unstable cellular communication, and three landslides along the Majene - Mamuju road,” said Raditya explained in a written statement.

Meanwhile in Mamuju Regency, the regional BPBD informed that Maleo Hotel, the West Sulawesi Governor's office, and a minimarket were heavily damaged. Electricity and cellular communication networks were also disrupted.

"[The number of] damaged houses and casualties (in Mamuju) are still being recorded," he said.

Based on the BPBD information, Raditya added that basic necessities, blankets and mats, refugee tents, medical services, tarpaulins, heavy equipment or excavators, communication tools, ready-to-eat foods, and face masks are highly needed.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has today instructed the BNPB Head Doni Monardo and the Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini to immediately inspect regions affected by the earthquake.

Read: BMKG Makassar Detects 28 Earthquakes in Majene

EGI ADYATAMA