A powerful earthquake rocked western Indonesia Wednesday, trapping thousands under collapsed buildings — including two hospitals — and triggering landslides. At least 75 people were killed; the death toll was expected to rise. (Update: The official release on October2, a total of 1100 people were confirmed dead and 421 seriously injured, these numbers are still expected to rise along with the search and rescue progress.)The magnitude 7.6 quake struck at 5:15 p.m. local time (1015GMT, 6:15 a.m. EDT), just off the coast of Padang city at position 0.789°S, 99.961°E. A tsunami warning for countries along the Indian Ocean was issued, and panicked residents fled to higher ground fearing giant waves. The warning was lifted about an hour later.
Initial reports received by the government said 75 people were killed, but the real number is expected to rise shortly.
The quake triggered landslides that cut all roads to Padang. Power and telecommunications were also cut. Fire also broke out in buildings on a road to the city, officials said.
Links:
The intensity Map
Moment tensor solution
Population exposure
Figure:
A man stands in front of a collapsed building after an earthquake hit Padang, on Indonesia's Sumatra island September 30, 2009 (Reuters)
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