The Indonesian earthquake that rocked the southern coast of central Java island early Saturday, has by now killed more than 2,700 people, injuring thousands more. More and more injured people are being brought to the city’s main hospital. Buses and trucks are being used for their transportation.
Arifin Muhadi of the Indonesian Red Cross informed that the numbers of injured are just rising continuously, following the nearly 2,900 people already hurt.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 6.2-magnitude quake strike about 25 kilometers (16 miles) southwest of Yogyakarta. It occurred just before 6 a.m. Saturday (7 p.m. ET Friday). The quake damaged flattened buildings and damaged homes extensively, cutting out some communications, according to search-and-rescue teams in Yogyakarta. It is the country’s worst disaster since the 2004 tsunami.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered the army to help evacuate victims. The victims need to be evacuated as panicked residents “ran into the smoldering streets, many clutching young children”. Later on Saturday, the President would visit the disaster zone in Central Java province.
Via: skyvalley