Indonesia works to overcome quake consequences

Indonesian President Joko Widodo instructed competent agencies, including Indonesia’s disaster management agency (BNPB) and military forces to work together to overcome quake consequences after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia’s Sumatra island on August 2 evening.
Indonesia works to overcome quake consequences ảnh 1People evacuate from high-rise buildings following a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Indonesia (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo instructed competentagencies, including Indonesia’s disaster management agency (BNPB) and militaryforces to work together to overcome quake consequences after a 7.4-magnitudeearthquake hit Indonesia’s Sumatra island on August 2 evening.

He alsoordered the agencies to keep a close watch on situations after the quake forprompt actions, and especially ensure safety for people in affected areas.

TheIndonesian President called on people to stay vigilant and follow officialinformation from functional agencies.

TheIndonesian geophysics agency on August 2 lifted tsunami warning hours after theearthquake.

Previously,the BNPB urged people living near the coast in Banten province, Java island tomove onto higher ground over fear of 3m-high tsunamis.

Meanwhile,the PT Kereta Commuter Indonesia (KCI) said the new subway system in Jakartamaintained normal operation and was safe.

PT KCI spokeswomanAnne Purba said when the quake occurred, the subway system halted operation fora moment but resumed afterwards. The company had examined the system andaffirmed that all safety conditions were met.

The hoteland tourism association in Banten reported no casualties in hotels and tourismfacilities in the area after the disaster.

Initialstatistics of the BNPB showed that 26 houses and offices in 15 sub-regions ofSukabumi and West Java were damaged and the figure is projected to increase.

Thousandsof people had to evacuate because their houses were destroyed or over fear ofaftershocks.

The BNPBsent a response team to the quake-hit area to join hands with the local authoritiesin search and rescue activities.

Indonesiaexperiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on thePacific "Ring of Fire".

Lastyear, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi islandkilled more than 2,200 people, with another thousand declared missing.-VNA
VNA

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