BNPB Hands Rp4-billion Initial Aid for West Sulawesi's Earthquake-hit Areas

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Chief Lt Gen. Doni Monardo offered initial assistance of Rp4 billion to the earthquake-affected areas in West Sulawesi Province.

The aid comprised Rp2 billion for West Sulawesi Province and Rp1 billion each for the districts of Mamuju and Majene, Monardo noted in a written statement released in Jakarta on Saturday.

The BNPB chief departed from Jakarta for West Sulawesi on Friday to conduct an inspection of the quake-affected areas.

During his visit to West Sulawesi, Monardo visited the sub-districts of Malunda and Ulumanda in Majene District that bore the brunt of a 6.2-magnitude quake that struck the province on early Friday.

A series of quakes of varying magnitudes hit the province on Thursday and Friday.

According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency’s (BMKG's) analysis, the epicenter of the 6.2-magnitude quake was located on land, six kilometers northeast of Majene, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

As of 14:00 West Indonesia Standard Time (WIB) on Friday, death toll following the powerful quake climbed to 34, the BNPB stated.

"The death toll comprised 26 found in Mamuju District and eight in Majene District," Chief of the BNPB Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Raditya Jati noted in a press statement released on Friday.

The earthquake also compelled some 15,000 residents to flee their homes. They are being sheltered in 10 evacuee camps in Majene District and five evacuee camps in Mamuju District, he revealed.

Also Read: Papua Jolted by 5.7 Richter-Scale Earthquake:

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