Magnitude 6.6 Earthquake Jolts Indonesia’s Papua Province, Damaging 50 Homes

JAKARTA, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- A 6.6-magnitude tectonic earthquake struck Indonesia’s Papua Province on Thursday, damaging at least 50 houses and several public facilities, the country’s disaster agency said.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said the quake severely damaged 20 houses, caused minor damage to 30 others, and affected three churches, two bridges, two markets and 13 other public buildings.

“No casualties have been reported so far, but data collection and verification are ongoing in the affected areas,” BNPB spokesman Abdul Muhari said in a statement.

The local disaster agency in Sarmi regency, supported by the military, police and volunteers, has set up a 24-hour emergency post to assist residents and assess infrastructure, transport routes and communication networks following the quake.

BNPB urged residents in and around Sarmi to remain calm and alert, avoid spreading false information, and stay away from damaged buildings or landslide-prone areas.

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said the quake struck at 12.48 pm local time with an epicentre on land at a depth of 18 kilometres, without triggering a tsunami warning.

The epicentre was located about 32 kilometres southeast of Sarmi, 92 kilometres northeast of Central Mamberamo, 117 kilometres northeast of Kasonaweja and 195 kilometres northwest of Jayapura.

Tremors were felt strongly for about three seconds across Sarmi and nearby areas, sending residents rushing out of their homes in panic, the agency added.

-- BERNAMA