7 killed, Several Injured As Earthquake Rips Through Indonesia

An earthquake on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has killed at least seven people and injured hundreds on Friday morning, January 15.

According to reports, more than a dozen patients and staff are reported to be trapped in the rubble of a hospital that was damaged in the quake.

The authorities reported that at least four people died in Majene and more than 600 were injured, while another three people died in neighbouring Mamuju.

Indonesia is prone to earthquakes as a result of the fact that it lies on the so-called Ring of Fire, a line of frequent quakes and volcanic eruptions on the Pacific rim.

The earthquake which had magnitude of 6.2 came just hours after an earlier, smaller quake.

The epicenter of Friday’s earthquake was six kilometers (3.73 miles) northeast of Majene city and had a depth of 10 kilometers.

Authorities have therefore warned that strong aftershocks could follow the two main earthquakes and that they could still trigger a tsunami. However, thousands are reported to have left their homes, fleeing to safety.

Properties damaged include homes, two hotels, the governor’s office and a mall.