The Jakarta Post
The administration of South Halmahera in North Maluku has declared an emergency status in the regency after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake, followed by at least 70 aftershocks, claimed two lives and sent more than 2,000 people fleeing from their houses. National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesperson Agus Wibowo said the quakes also destroyed 20 houses in Rangga-Rangga village of East Gane district, 28 houses in Saketa village of West Gane district, six houses in Dolik village of Northwest Gane district and five houses in Kluting Jaya village of South Weda district. “An emergency status has gone into effect for seven days, from [Monday] to [Sunday],” Agus said during a press briefing at the BNPB’s headquarters in Jakarta on Monday. The affected individuals were forced to relocate to 14 temporary shelters in South Halmahera set up at the regent&r...