A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia‘s Sumatra island near Aceh province on Thursday, the country’s geophysics agency said. The tremors came from 10 kilometres deep inside the earth. As of yet, no tsunami alert has been sounded.
However, the earthquake worsens the ongoing floods and landslide situation in the island nation, which have so far killed at least 28 people.
The situation across the North Sumatra province has been troubling for the past few days, with multiple deaths reported by Thursday. Officials are rushing for the rescue efforts, but are struggling amid a “total cut-off” of roads and communications.
A rare tropical cyclone blew across Indonesia’s Sumatra island, bringing torrential rain and multiple landslides nearby Malacca Strait.
People still missing, over 8000 evacuated
The ongoing relief efforts have not been easy for the agencies. Spokesperson of Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, Abdul Muhari, said 10 people were still missing and around 8,000 have been evacuated across North Sumatra. Key roads continue to remain blocked due to landslide debris, with aid and logistics now being distributed via helicopter, he added, quoted the Associated Press.
The worst hit regions are Sibolga and Central Tapanuli, said another official, adding that “There is no more access, due to a total cut-off”.
“Until now we can’t communicate with folks in Sibolga and Central Tapanuli,” the official added, as per AP.
More flooding predicted
According to the meteorological agency of the country, more flooding is expected in several other Sumatran provinces, including Aceh and Riau, over the next two days.
The flooding in the island nation is one of a series of weather disasters that has hit Southeast Asia this week. Over 30 people were killed by floods in Thailand and Malaysia, with water levels high enough to submerge hospitals.
The visuals from the ground show rapid currents of water overflowing across the region and leaving buildings destroyed. The rescuers are using orange rafts to visit the flooded homes of residents.