Indonesia Hit by Devastating 6.6 Magnitude Earthquake Amid Worsening Floods and Landslides
Image Source: Internet
A powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Sumatra island on Thursday, as the region struggles to cope with the aftermath of massive floods and landslides triggered by torrential rains. The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 25 kilometers near Simeulue Island, did not immediately trigger a tsunami warning, according to the Indian Ocean tsunami warning center and the US Geological Survey. In a separate disaster, at least 28 people have been killed in floods and landslides that ravaged North Sumatra province. The situation was exacerbated by a rare tropical cyclone, 'Senyar,' which made landfall on Wednesday, causing widespread flooding and damage. Rescue efforts are hampered by the destruction of roads and communication networks, with over 8,000 people evacuated from the affected areas. The Indonesian disaster mitigation agency has reported 10 more people missing, and aid is being airlifted to the region as debris blocks roads. Flooding has also affected the provinces of West Sumatra and Aceh, with extreme weather conditions expected to continue in the coming days. Visuals from the search and rescue agency show the devastating impact of the floods, with rapid currents of water overflowing the region and leaving buildings damaged.
