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Strong earthquake destroys buildings in Aceh
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A resident takes a photograph of a collapsed canopy after an earthquake in Sigli, Aceh, on Wednesday. The quake destroyed several buildings. (serambinews.com/Idris Ismail)
A
n earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale hit Aceh early on Wednesday morning, destroying buildings in Pidie Jaya regency. There were no immediate reports of fatalities.
It was reported that several buildings, including the dome of the Dayah Mudi Mesra Samalanga Mosque, a coffee shop in a gasoline station and a building of STAI Al-Aziziah Islamic University, collapsed during the quake, which had its center at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Pidie Disaster Mitigation Agency head Apriadi said his agency had been monitoring the earthquake, which occurred at 5 a.m. in the neighboring regency, admitting that the rescue efforts were hampered by a lack of equipment.
“The heavy equipment is at other agencies. It’s difficult to quickly deploy, but our officers are ready anytime,” he said.
The earthquake was also felt in Takengon in Central Aceh regency, Banda Aceh and Bener Meriah regency. Takengon residents reportedly fled from their houses amid the quake.
Residents in some areas of North Sumatra also felt the quake. (jun)
UPDATE: The earlier version of this article stated that the earthquake in Aceh on Dec. 7 was measured at 6.4 on the Richter scale according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). BMKG later revised the figure to 6.5 on the Richter scale.
