Head of the Data and Information Division at BNPB, Dr Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, has confirmed that the death toll of the earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale which took place at Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh on Wednesday (7 December) morning at 5am has already hit 102 people and said that there are still some who have not been found.
Local Media, Voa, said that the search teams are using tools with signals to detect cellphones signals within 100 metres to support them in looking for the victims who has been buried under the debris.
Another local media, Republika, also reported that the hospitals are full and the victims have to be treated at the hallways and outside in a tent as there are more than 600 people were either suffer from mild and serious injuries.
Thousands of people were afraid to get back inside their houses as there were still cases of aftershocks. There were at least 39 aftershocks that were reported by the local authority, the biggest one occurred on Thursday (7 December) night at 11.05pm local time (8 December at 12.05am Singapore time) measuring 5.0 Ritcher scale.
As much as 8,000 people spent their night on the evacuation tents in Pidie Jaya alone.
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 along with President Tony Tan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had offered their condolences. They also said that Singapore is ready to assist if required.
