A 4.9-magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia's West Java province on September 18. - Photos: Bernama
JAKARTA: A shallow earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale struck Indonesia's West Java province on Wednesday (Sept 18), killing one person and injuring at least 82 others, officials reported.
According to Indonesia's meteorology, climatology, and geophysics agency, the earthquake struck at 9.41am local time (0241 GMT), with the epicenter located 24 km southeast of Bandung regency and at a depth of 10 km.
An elementary school student with asthma was rushed outside his school building during the tremors.
He collapsed and was taken to the hospital, where he died, said Erwin Nurdiansyah, a press officer for Bandung regency's disaster agency.
Abdul Muhari, spokesman for the National Disaster Management and Mitigation Agency, told Xinhua that the hardest-hit area was Bandung regency, followed by Garut regency.
In Bandung alone, 81 people were injured, and all victims from both regions were transported to hospitals and health clinics for treatment.
"The assessments are ongoing, but we estimate that around 700 houses have suffered damage, from minor to serious levels," Muhari said, adding that nearly 100 health, educational, religious, and public facilities, including markets, were also damaged.
He added that the disaster forced 450 people to seek shelter in government buildings and other facilities.
Emergency tents have been set up, and aid such as medicines, mattresses, blankets, tents, and baby supplies have been distributed, though more are needed.
On Thursday (Sept 19), Bernama quoted Malaysia's Foreign Ministry as saying that no Malaysians have been reported to be involved or affected thus far by the earthquake in Bandung.
In a statement on Thursday, the ministry, known as Wisma Putra, said that it is closely monitoring the aftermath of the earthquake through the Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta.
"Malaysians in the affected areas are advised to stay vigilant and follow the advice and guidance provided by the local authorities.
"Those who have not yet registered and updated their whereabouts and details are strongly encouraged to do so immediately at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my,” the statement read.
Wisma Putra added that Malaysians requiring consular assistance can contact the Embassy Of Malaysia in Jakarta at Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav.x/6, No. 1-3, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12950, indonesia, phone number: +62 21 522 4947/ +62 813 8081 3036 (For Emergencies After Office Hours) or e-mail mwjakarta@kln.gov.my.
The ministry expressed Malaysia’s deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims and families affected by the earthquake. - Xinhua, Bernama
