An earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale hit Aceh early on Wednesday (7 December) morning at 5am, destroying several buildings.
There were at least five aftershocks followed the quake but no tsunami warning was issued.
Mr M. Riyadi, head of the earthquake and tsunami department at the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), said, “The epicentre (of the quake is on) land, not at sea, so no tsunami potential, but it means worse damage in buildings as we are seeing now.”
According to the local media, Jakarta Post, 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 that his agency had been monitoring the earthquake. He also admitted that the rescue efforts were hampered by a lack of equipment.
He said, “The heavy equipment is at other agencies. It’s difficult to quickly deploy, but our officers are ready anytime.”
“The heavy equipment is at other agencies. It’s difficult to quickly deploy, but our officers are ready anytime,” Mr Apriadi added.
The local news also said that 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.
Head of the Data and Information Division at BNPB, Dr Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, said that the death toll from the quake stood at 94 people.
The BNPB also said that there are 73 people suffered serious injuries, while, 122 people suffered mild injuries.
It also noted that there are 227 houses and stores, 14 mosques, a school, and a hospital were collapsed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Singapore stated that it has contacted all Singaporeans registered in Banda Aceh following the earthquake (7 December) and confirmed that they are safe.
MFA spokesperson said, “We are not aware of any Singaporeans who are affected by the incident and require consular assistance. We are in touch with local authorities to monitor the situation.”
Aceh and its surrounding areas are prone to earthquakes. A 9.0-magnitude quake triggered a tsunami that virtually destroyed Aceh and Nias, North Sumatra, killing more than 230,000 people in December 2004.
