A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Papua on Thursday and claimed lives of four people besides damaging&nbsp;many buildings, the country's disaster agency said. Agency's head Asep Khalid in a statement said that the victims were at a cafe when the quake hit, causing the building to collapse, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Putri Kurita, who was having lunch at another restaurant bolted for the exit fearing that the building would collapse. She said, "I was having lunch when things suddenly swayed, then jolts&nbsp;got much stronger."

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5.5 Magnitude Earthquake hits Indonesia killing four people as floating restaurant collapse into the sea. <a href="https://t.co/Pqn7Xclic6">pic.twitter.com/Pqn7Xclic6</a>
— NUAMAHONLINE.NEWS (@nuamahonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/nuamahonline/status/1623652736309903360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ire-over-standards-of-buildings-in-turkey-as-earthquake-death-toll-tops-12000-report-560211">Anger over construction standards in Turkey as combined quake toll tops 17,500</a>

The quake in the easternmost region of Papua was felt strongly for two to three seconds, causing panic among people.&nbsp;

According to the country's geophysics agency BMKG, the epicentre of the earthquake was one kilometre from Jayapura, the capital of Papua province at a depth of 10 km.

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Gempa berkekuatan magnitudo (M) 5,4 mengguncang Kota Jayapura, Papua. Sejumlah bangunan dilaporkan mengalami kerusakan dan hanyut ke laut. 
"Menurut informasi yang kami terima benar ada beberapa bangunan yang rusak di Kota Jayapura. Sebuah kafe di Ruko Dok II Jayapura rubuh dan <a href="https://t.co/lKPdNdjquz">pic.twitter.com/lKPdNdjquz</a>
— Kodok Ijo 🐸 (@Midjan_La_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Midjan_La_2/status/1623599409404715008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) recorded the quake at a magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale.

This quake is one of more than a thousand recorded in the area since the beginning of this year, BMKG said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-bird-caged-in-turkey-after-anger-swamped-social-media-over-erdogans-quake-response-560125">Twitter back online in Turkey after being blocked following devastating quake</a>

Agency's chief Dwikorita Karnawati said, "Since January 2, 2023, there have been 1,079 quakes around Jayapura, with about 132 felt by its residents."

Several unverified footages of the quake were shared on social media, where a harbour-side building collapsed into the sea besides damage to a mall and hospital in the city.&nbsp;

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A shallow magnitude 5.4 earthquake occurred in the Indonesian province of Papua today. Early reports coming out says there is at least some damage to various infrastructure. 
The video below from the city of Jayapura, seems to show a building having collapsed in the sea. <a href="https://t.co/z8dkF0fNUN">pic.twitter.com/z8dkF0fNUN</a>
— Øystein L.A. (@oysteinvolcano) <a href="https://twitter.com/oysteinvolcano/status/1623602862935924736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Indonesia's meteorological agency has warned of potential aftershocks.&nbsp;

Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where the tectonic plates are likely to collide, AFP reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Papua on Thursday and claimed lives of four people besides damaging many buildings, the country's disaster agency said.

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Papua on Thursday and claimed lives of four people besides damaging many buildings, the country's disaster agency said. Agency's head Asep Khalid in a statement said that the victims were at a cafe when the quake hit, causing the building to collapse, Reuters reported. Putri Kurita, who was having lunch at another restaurant bolted for the exit fearing that the building would collapse. She said, "I was having lunch when things suddenly swayed, then jolts got much stronger." 5.5 Magnitude Earthquake hits Indonesia killing four people as floating restaurant collapse into the sea. pic.twitter.com/Pqn7Xclic6 — NUAMAHONLINE.NEWS (@nuamahonline) February 9, 2023 × Also read | Anger over construction standards in Turkey as combined quake toll tops 17,500 The quake in the easternmost region of Papua was felt strongly for two to three seconds, causing panic among people. According to the country's geophysics agency BMKG, the epicentre of the earthquake was one kilometre from Jayapura, the capital of Papua province at a depth of 10 km. Gempa berkekuatan magnitudo (M) 5,4 mengguncang Kota Jayapura, Papua. Sejumlah bangunan dilaporkan mengalami kerusakan dan hanyut ke laut. "Menurut informasi yang kami terima benar ada beberapa bangunan yang rusak di Kota Jayapura. Sebuah kafe di Ruko Dok II Jayapura rubuh dan pic.twitter.com/lKPdNdjquz — Kodok Ijo 🐸 (@Midjan_La_2) February 9, 2023 × The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) recorded the quake at a magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale. This quake is one of more than a thousand recorded in the area since the beginning of this year, BMKG said. Also read | Twitter back online in Turkey after being blocked following devastating quake Agency's chief Dwikorita Karnawati said, "Since January 2, 2023, there have been 1,079 quakes around Jayapura, with about 132 felt by its residents." Several unverified footages of the quake were shared on social media, where a harbour-side building collapsed into the sea besides damage to a mall and hospital in the city. A shallow magnitude 5.4 earthquake occurred in the Indonesian province of Papua today. Early reports coming out says there is at least some damage to various infrastructure. The video below from the city of Jayapura, seems to show a building having collapsed in the sea. pic.twitter.com/z8dkF0fNUN — Øystein L.A. (@oysteinvolcano) February 9, 2023 × Indonesia's meteorological agency has warned of potential aftershocks. Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where the tectonic plates are likely to collide, AFP reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indonesia: 5.2 magnitude earthquake hits Papua, four killed as building collapses

According to United States Geological Survey(USGS), a 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia on Monday.

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Notable quake, preliminary info: M 6.6 - 82 km W of Luwuk, Indonesia <a href="https://t.co/bNMtCWLbWZ">https://t.co/bNMtCWLbWZ</a>
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) <a href="https://twitter.com/USGS_Quakes/status/1419634487277670402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The quake reportedly took place 97 km west-northwest of Luwuk in Indonesia.

Authorities said no tsunami warning was generated even as the quake was felt in Palu on Sulawesi, nearly &nbsp;200 kilometres from the epicentre.

There were no reports of casualties so far.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake had earlier struck off Indonesia's Sulawesi island earlier this month at a depth of 68 kilometres.

In January at least hundred people were killed and thousands left homeless after a 6.2-magnitude quake had struck Sulawesi.

In 2018, a powerful earthquake had taken place in Lombok island with several more in the following weeks in which over 550 people were killed.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to United States Geological Survey(USGS), a 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia on Monday. Notable quake, preliminary info: M 6.6 - 82 km W of Luwuk, Indonesia https://t.

According to United States Geological Survey(USGS), a 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia on Monday. Notable quake, preliminary info: M 6.6 - 82 km W of Luwuk, Indonesia https://t.co/bNMtCWLbWZ — USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) July 26, 2021 × The quake reportedly took place 97 km west-northwest of Luwuk in Indonesia. Authorities said no tsunami warning was generated even as the quake was felt in Palu on Sulawesi, nearly 200 kilometres from the epicentre. There were no reports of casualties so far. A 6.1-magnitude earthquake had earlier struck off Indonesia's Sulawesi island earlier this month at a depth of 68 kilometres. In January at least hundred people were killed and thousands left homeless after a 6.2-magnitude quake had struck Sulawesi. In 2018, a powerful earthquake had taken place in Lombok island with several more in the following weeks in which over 550 people were killed. (With inputs from Agencies)

6.2-magnitude earthquake strikes off Indonesia's Sulawesi island

According to the United States Geological Survey(USGS), a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia off Maluku islands on Thursday

Indonesia's meteorology agency also reported the earthquake in Indonesia's Ambon city in Maluku islands early in the morning. The earthquake was confirmed by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

However, no tsunami warning was triggered after the quake occurred and no casualties were reported. The earthquake was centred off Ternate city.

Last month, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake had struck off the northwest coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island.

Indonesia has experienced earthquakes often with the biggest occurring on December 26, 2004, when a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Sumatra coast triggered a tsunami leading to the death of several hundred thousand people.

Three years ago another powerful earthquake in Lombok and Sumbawa islands had killed over 550 people, later in 2018, an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale had hit Sulawesi island in which over 4,300 people were killed and several were reported missing.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to the United States Geological Survey(USGS), a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia off Maluku islands on Thursday Indonesia's meteorology agency also reported the earthquake in Indonesia's Ambon city in Maluku islands early in the morning.

According to the United States Geological Survey(USGS), a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia off Maluku islands on Thursday Indonesia's meteorology agency also reported the earthquake in Indonesia's Ambon city in Maluku islands early in the morning. The earthquake was confirmed by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). However, no tsunami warning was triggered after the quake occurred and no casualties were reported. The earthquake was centred off Ternate city. Last month, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake had struck off the northwest coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island. Indonesia has experienced earthquakes often with the biggest occurring on December 26, 2004, when a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Sumatra coast triggered a tsunami leading to the death of several hundred thousand people. Three years ago another powerful earthquake in Lombok and Sumbawa islands had killed over 550 people, later in 2018, an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale had hit Sulawesi island in which over 4,300 people were killed and several were reported missing. (With inputs from Agencies)

6.1 magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia's Maluku islands; no tsunami warning

A powerful earthquake killed at least 45 people and injured hundreds on Indonesia's island of Sulawesi on Friday, trapping several under rubble and unleashing dozens of aftershocks as authorities warned of more quakes that could trigger a tsunami.

Indonesia earthquake kills at least 45, injures hundreds

An earthquake of magnitude 6.5 struck north of Halmahera near the province of North Sulawesi in Indonesia on Thursday, the GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said.

Indonesia's national weather and climate agency (BMKG) gave a magnitude of 7.1 and depth of 111 km. The GFZ put the quake's depth at 105 km.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-witness-spike-in-coronavirus-records-686-cases-and-55-deaths-in-one-day-302990">Indonesia witness spike in coronavirus, records 686 cases and 55 deaths in one day</a>

BMKG spokesman Taufan Maulana told Reuters no damage had been caused and the earthquake did not pose a tsunami threat.

Indonesia is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is frequently hit by earthquakes that are sometimes accompanied by tsunamis.

An earthquake of magnitude 6.5 struck north of Halmahera near the province of North Sulawesi in Indonesia on Thursday, the GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said.

An earthquake of magnitude 6.5 struck north of Halmahera near the province of North Sulawesi in Indonesia on Thursday, the GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said. Indonesia's national weather and climate agency (BMKG) gave a magnitude of 7.1 and depth of 111 km. The GFZ put the quake's depth at 105 km. Also read: Indonesia witness spike in coronavirus, records 686 cases and 55 deaths in one day BMKG spokesman Taufan Maulana told Reuters no damage had been caused and the earthquake did not pose a tsunami threat. Indonesia is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is frequently hit by earthquakes that are sometimes accompanied by tsunamis.

Earthquake of 6.5 magnitude hits eastern Indonesia

An earthquake of magnitude 7.5 struck in a remote area of Indonesia in the Banda Sea on Monday, says USGS, but there were no initial tsunami warnings.

Earthquake of 7.5 magnitude hits remote area of Indonesia

A strong 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the Indonesian coast early Monday, sending residents running out of their homes, but no tsunami warning was issued.

The quake hit at a depth of 60 kilometres (40 miles) under the Molucca Sea, some 175 kilometres north-northwest of the city of Ternate, according to the USGS.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties and Indonesia's geophysics agency did not issue a tsunami alert.

"We felt the quake and some people got out of their house but there was no real panic. There is no damage in my area," said a man from Ternate called Budi, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/landslides-kill-at-least-15-in-indonesia-after-year-of-disasters-187889">At least 15 killed in landslides in Indonesia after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/landslides-kill-at-least-15-in-indonesia-after-year-of-disasters-187889">year</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/landslides-kill-at-least-15-in-indonesia-after-year-of-disasters-187889"> of disasters</a>

Bani Nasution, a man who was in the city of Manado when the quake struck, told AFP, "I ran out of my house and so did other people here, but we've all returned to our houses now."

A series of aftershocks also rocked the area.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-latest-tsunami-raises-global-questions-over-disaster-preparedness-187313">Indonesia's latest tsunami raises global questions over disaster preparedness</a>

Indonesia is still reeling from a deadly tsunami at the end of December triggered by an erupting volcano in the middle of the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands that killed more than 400 people.

The vast Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-hit nations on Earth due to its position straddling the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide.

In pics: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-2018-a-catastrophic-year-for-indonesia-186645">2018, a catastrophic year for Indonesia</a>

The tsunami was Indonesia's third major natural disaster in six months, following a series of powerful earthquakes on the island of Lombok in July and August and a quake-tsunami in September that killed around 2,200 people in Palu on Sulawesi island, with thousands more missing and presumed dead.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties and Indonesia's geophysics agency did not issue a tsunami alert.

A strong 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the Indonesian coast early Monday, sending residents running out of their homes, but no tsunami warning was issued. The quake hit at a depth of 60 kilometres (40 miles) under the Molucca Sea, some 175 kilometres north-northwest of the city of Ternate, according to the USGS. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties and Indonesia's geophysics agency did not issue a tsunami alert. "We felt the quake and some people got out of their house but there was no real panic. There is no damage in my area," said a man from Ternate called Budi, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. Also read: At least 15 killed in landslides in Indonesia after year of disasters Bani Nasution, a man who was in the city of Manado when the quake struck, told AFP, "I ran out of my house and so did other people here, but we've all returned to our houses now." A series of aftershocks also rocked the area. Also read: Indonesia's latest tsunami raises global questions over disaster preparedness Indonesia is still reeling from a deadly tsunami at the end of December triggered by an erupting volcano in the middle of the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands that killed more than 400 people. The vast Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the most disaster-hit nations on Earth due to its position straddling the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide. In pics: 2018, a catastrophic year for Indonesia The tsunami was Indonesia's third major natural disaster in six months, following a series of powerful earthquakes on the island of Lombok in July and August and a quake-tsunami in September that killed around 2,200 people in Palu on Sulawesi island, with thousands more missing and presumed dead.

Strong 6.6-magnitude earthquake jolts northwest Indonesia, no tsunami warning

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Papua, in eastern Indonesia Sunday, US seismologists said, but no tsunami warning was issued.

The quake was about 158 kilometres (98 miles) south-southwest of the province's capital Jayapura at 6:42 pm (0942 GMT), at a depth of 61 kilometres, according to the US Geological Survey.

The quake was felt in Jayapura, but residents didn't panic, a military spokesman said.&nbsp;

"I felt it at home," Papua's military spokesman in Jayapura Dax Sianturi said.&nbsp;

Officials are still assessing the impact of the quake, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.

Last September, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island killed more than 2,200 with a thousand more declared missing.

On boxing day December 26, 2004, a 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck Aceh province, causing a tsunami and killing more than 170,000 in Indonesia.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Papua, in eastern Indonesia Sunday, US seismologists said, but no tsunami warning was issued. The quake was about 158 kilometres (98 miles) south-southwest of the province's capital Jayapura at 6:42 pm (0942 GMT), at a depth of 61 kilometres, according to the US Geological Survey.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Papua, in eastern Indonesia Sunday, US seismologists said, but no tsunami warning was issued. The quake was about 158 kilometres (98 miles) south-southwest of the province's capital Jayapura at 6:42 pm (0942 GMT), at a depth of 61 kilometres, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake was felt in Jayapura, but residents didn't panic, a military spokesman said. "I felt it at home," Papua's military spokesman in Jayapura Dax Sianturi said. Officials are still assessing the impact of the quake, but there were no immediate reports of casualties. Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. Last September, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi island killed more than 2,200 with a thousand more declared missing. On boxing day December 26, 2004, a 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck Aceh province, causing a tsunami and killing more than 170,000 in Indonesia.

6.1-magnitude earthquake rocks Indonesia's Papua

Rescue workers scoured the rubble of devastated communities on Indonesia's Sulawesi island on Thursday, the last day of the search for victims of a 7.5 magnitude quake and tsunami that killed more than 2,000 people two weeks ago; the search has been called off.&nbsp;

If any reminder were needed of Indonesia's treacherous tectonics, a magnitude 6 quake struck off Indonesia's Java and Bali islands early on Thursday, killing three people in Java, damaging buildings and sparking panic.

The annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank are being held this week on Bali and attended by more than 19,000 delegates and other guests, including ministers, central bank heads and some country leaders.

On the west coast of Sulawesi, hundreds of kilometres northeast of Bali, the official death toll from the earthquake and tsunami that struck the seaside city of Palu on Septeber 28 stood at 2,045.

Some 10,000 rescuers toiled for a final day as relatives of the missing clung to their last hopes that the bodies of their loved ones could be found and given a proper burial.

"I don't have any tears left, all I want is to find them," said Ahmad, 43, a farmer who was waiting near a pile of debris that used to be home in Palu's Balaroa neighbourhood.

His wife and two daughters are missing in the ruins.

Balaroa and other Palu neighbourhoods were devastated by liquefaction, which happens when a quake shakes soft, damp soil, turning it into a viscous, roiling liquid.

Ahmad's third daughter was badly injured and has been taken to the city of Makassar for treatment.

"She's all I have left. Everything I own, everyone else, is gone," he said.

'Have to dig'

No one knows how many people have yet to be found in Balaroa and other neighbourhoods but it could be as many as 5,000, the national disaster mitigation agency says.

Rescue teams are working with residents to try to identify where victims could be. However, it is mostly guesswork because of how far the ground moved during liquefaction.

"We hope the families understand that there's very little hope at this point," said search volunteer Hadrianos Poliamar.

"At the same time, if they ask us to help, if they're pointing 'please look here, my family is under here', of course, we can't say 'no', we have to dig. We want to help as many as we can."

The government has called off the search for bodies from Thursday, citing concern about the spread of disease, and is beginning to focus efforts on the next phase - rebuilding.

Data on the destruction is being compiled and mapping done to help determine where new houses should be built.

The danger of tsunamis near the coast in the north of the Palu and of soil liquefaction in the south are the major worries.

Areas hit by liquefaction will be turned into parks and sports fields and memorials.

Nofal Surya, 37, lost 15 members of his extended family in Balaroa. The bodies of only seven have been found.

"If I follow my heart, of course I want the search to keep going. But I think I have to accept that I may never find them," he said.

Rescue workers scoured the rubble of devastated communities on Indonesia's Sulawesi island on Thursday, the last day of the search for victims of a 7.5 magnitude quake and tsunami that killed more than 2,000 people two weeks ago; the search has been called off.

Rescue workers scoured the rubble of devastated communities on Indonesia's Sulawesi island on Thursday, the last day of the search for victims of a 7.5 magnitude quake and tsunami that killed more than 2,000 people two weeks ago; the search has been called off. If any reminder were needed of Indonesia's treacherous tectonics, a magnitude 6 quake struck off Indonesia's Java and Bali islands early on Thursday, killing three people in Java, damaging buildings and sparking panic. The annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank are being held this week on Bali and attended by more than 19,000 delegates and other guests, including ministers, central bank heads and some country leaders. On the west coast of Sulawesi, hundreds of kilometres northeast of Bali, the official death toll from the earthquake and tsunami that struck the seaside city of Palu on Septeber 28 stood at 2,045. Some 10,000 rescuers toiled for a final day as relatives of the missing clung to their last hopes that the bodies of their loved ones could be found and given a proper burial. "I don't have any tears left, all I want is to find them," said Ahmad, 43, a farmer who was waiting near a pile of debris that used to be home in Palu's Balaroa neighbourhood. His wife and two daughters are missing in the ruins. Balaroa and other Palu neighbourhoods were devastated by liquefaction, which happens when a quake shakes soft, damp soil, turning it into a viscous, roiling liquid. Ahmad's third daughter was badly injured and has been taken to the city of Makassar for treatment. "She's all I have left. Everything I own, everyone else, is gone," he said. 'Have to dig' No one knows how many people have yet to be found in Balaroa and other neighbourhoods but it could be as many as 5,000, the national disaster mitigation agency says. Rescue teams are working with residents to try to identify where victims could be. However, it is mostly guesswork because of how far the ground moved during liquefaction. "We hope the families understand that there's very little hope at this point," said search volunteer Hadrianos Poliamar. "At the same time, if they ask us to help, if they're pointing 'please look here, my family is under here', of course, we can't say 'no', we have to dig. We want to help as many as we can." The government has called off the search for bodies from Thursday, citing concern about the spread of disease, and is beginning to focus efforts on the next phase - rebuilding. Data on the destruction is being compiled and mapping done to help determine where new houses should be built. The danger of tsunamis near the coast in the north of the Palu and of soil liquefaction in the south are the major worries. Areas hit by liquefaction will be turned into parks and sports fields and memorials. Nofal Surya, 37, lost 15 members of his extended family in Balaroa. The bodies of only seven have been found. "If I follow my heart, of course I want the search to keep going. But I think I have to accept that I may never find them," he said.

Search called off in Indonesian disaster, 3 dead in Java quake

International efforts to help survivors of Indonesia`s devastating earthquake and tsunami gathered pace on Thursday as concern grew for hundreds of thousands with little food and water, six days after disaster struck.

Desperate residents on the west coast of Sulawesi island were scavenging for food in farms and orchards as the government struggled to overcome shortages of water, food, shelter and fuel in a disaster zone with no power and degraded communications.

Chaos has loomed at times with angry people in the region`s main city of Palu, 1,500 km (930 miles) northeast of Jakarta, looting shops and thronging its small airport, scrambling for any flight out. 
The official death toll from last Friday`s 7.5 magnitude quake has risen to 1,407, many killed by tsunami waves and landslides it triggered. Officials say the toll will rise.

Most of the confirmed dead have come from Palu and losses in remote areas remain unknown. Communications are down and bridges and roads have been destroyed or blocked by slips.

But international efforts to help are gearing up, after the government overcame a traditional reluctance to take foreign aid.

"The government of Indonesia is experienced and well-equipped in managing natural disasters, but sometimes, as with all other countries, outside help is also needed," UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock said in a statement. 
He announced an allocation of $15 million.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it was appealing for 22 million Swiss francs ($22 million) to help Indonesia.

The United States had provided initial funding, deployed government disaster experts and was working to determine what other help could be given, the State Department said earlier this week.

Some aid from Britain and Australia as also due to arrive on Thursday.

In all, about 20 countries have offered help, Indonesia has said.

In Palu, some shops and banks reopened on Thursday and a major mobile phone network was back into operation. A sense of calm seemed to be returning with orderly queues at petrol stations after the arrival of fuel shipments.

'Difficult time'

Indonesian Central Bank Governor Perry Warjiyo played down the overall impact on Southeast Asia’s biggest economy of the disaster in Sulawesi, and of earlier deadly quakes on the tourist island of Lombok.&nbsp;

"This is really a challenging and difficult time for Indonesia and for all of us, but we are united and we stand strong and we are confident to withstand this difficult time," he told a briefing of the Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club on Wednesday evening.&nbsp;

Bank Indonesia was helping to restore payment systems and some cash machines were working again in Palu as banks reopened, he said. 
Indonesia has long been known to be vulnerable to quakes and tsunamis.

In 2004, a quake off Sumatra island triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean that killed 226,000 people in 13 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia.

Safety measures implemented after that disaster, including tsunami warning systems, failed on Friday for various reasons, including government neglect, a lack of funding and vandalism.

A system of tsunami-detecting buoys has been out of action since 2012. Widodo said this week it had to be repaired and properly maintained.

Widodo, on his second visit to the disaster zone on Wednesday, acknowledged the aid effort had yet to reach maximum capacity. In particular, he cited inadequate logistics support and fuel supplies.&nbsp;

Also problematic has been a lack of heavy equipment for rescue workers and food, water and shelter for some 70,000 displaced people.

Rescue workers have begun to reach more remote areas in a disaster zone that includes 1.4 million people, but hundreds of thousands have received no aid.

International efforts to help survivors of Indonesia`s devastating earthquake and tsunami gathered pace on Thursday as concern grew for hundreds of thousands with little food and water, six days after disaster struck.

International efforts to help survivors of Indonesia`s devastating earthquake and tsunami gathered pace on Thursday as concern grew for hundreds of thousands with little food and water, six days after disaster struck. Desperate residents on the west coast of Sulawesi island were scavenging for food in farms and orchards as the government struggled to overcome shortages of water, food, shelter and fuel in a disaster zone with no power and degraded communications. Chaos has loomed at times with angry people in the region`s main city of Palu, 1,500 km (930 miles) northeast of Jakarta, looting shops and thronging its small airport, scrambling for any flight out. The official death toll from last Friday`s 7.5 magnitude quake has risen to 1,407, many killed by tsunami waves and landslides it triggered. Officials say the toll will rise. Most of the confirmed dead have come from Palu and losses in remote areas remain unknown. Communications are down and bridges and roads have been destroyed or blocked by slips. But international efforts to help are gearing up, after the government overcame a traditional reluctance to take foreign aid. "The government of Indonesia is experienced and well-equipped in managing natural disasters, but sometimes, as with all other countries, outside help is also needed," UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock said in a statement. He announced an allocation of $15 million. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it was appealing for 22 million Swiss francs ($22 million) to help Indonesia. The United States had provided initial funding, deployed government disaster experts and was working to determine what other help could be given, the State Department said earlier this week. Some aid from Britain and Australia as also due to arrive on Thursday. In all, about 20 countries have offered help, Indonesia has said. In Palu, some shops and banks reopened on Thursday and a major mobile phone network was back into operation. A sense of calm seemed to be returning with orderly queues at petrol stations after the arrival of fuel shipments. 'Difficult time' Indonesian Central Bank Governor Perry Warjiyo played down the overall impact on Southeast Asia’s biggest economy of the disaster in Sulawesi, and of earlier deadly quakes on the tourist island of Lombok. "This is really a challenging and difficult time for Indonesia and for all of us, but we are united and we stand strong and we are confident to withstand this difficult time," he told a briefing of the Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club on Wednesday evening. Bank Indonesia was helping to restore payment systems and some cash machines were working again in Palu as banks reopened, he said. Indonesia has long been known to be vulnerable to quakes and tsunamis. In 2004, a quake off Sumatra island triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean that killed 226,000 people in 13 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia. Safety measures implemented after that disaster, including tsunami warning systems, failed on Friday for various reasons, including government neglect, a lack of funding and vandalism. A system of tsunami-detecting buoys has been out of action since 2012. Widodo said this week it had to be repaired and properly maintained. Widodo, on his second visit to the disaster zone on Wednesday, acknowledged the aid effort had yet to reach maximum capacity. In particular, he cited inadequate logistics support and fuel supplies. Also problematic has been a lack of heavy equipment for rescue workers and food, water and shelter for some 70,000 displaced people. Rescue workers have begun to reach more remote areas in a disaster zone that includes 1.4 million people, but hundreds of thousands have received no aid.

Foreign aid picks up for Indonesia's desperate quake survivors

A powerful earthquake hit central Indonesia on Friday, causing a tsunami that slammed into a city on Sulawesi island with officials saying the tremor had levelled "many" buildings.

The shallow <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-rocked-75-magnitude-quake-tsunami-warning-issued-168167">7.5 magnitude quake</a> sparked terror among locals who fled into the streets and raced to higher ground fearing tsunami waves.

The disaster agency briefly issued a tsunami warning before lifting it.

But dramatic video footage filmed from the top floor of a parking ramp spiral in Palu, a city of 350,000 nearly 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the quake's epicentre, showed a churning wall of whitewater mow down several buildings and inundate a large mosque.

Rahmat Triyono, head of the agency's earthquake and tsunami division, later confirmed the city was struck by a freak wave.

People living hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre reported feeling the massive shake, hours after a smaller jolt killed at least one person in the same part of the Southeast Asian archipelago.

There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries after the latest tremor, but it was a higher magnitude than a series of quakes that killed hundreds on the island of Lombok this summer.

The quake hit just off central Sulawesi at a shallow depth of some 10 kilometres just before 6:00 pm local time (1100 GMT), the US Geological Survey said.

"There are reports that many buildings collapsed in the earthquake," national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Residents panicked and scattered out of their homes."

Pictures supplied by the agency showed a badly damaged shopping mall in Palu where at least one floor had collapsed onto the storey below.

Other pictures showed major damage to buildings, with rubble strewn about the road and large cracks running through pavements.

Facebook Live video showed long traffic jams formed in some parts of the region as terrified residents packed into cars, trucks and motorbikes to flee to higher ground following the tsunami warning.

Search and rescue teams have been dispatched to hard-hit areas, Nugroho said.

AFP phone calls to several regional hospitals went unanswered and Palu's main airport was closed around 7.30 pm local time, with authorities saying it would not open for 24 hours.

Friday's tremor was centred 78 kilometres north of Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province, but was felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on the neighbouring island of Kalimantan, Indonesia's portion of Borneo island.

The initial tremor struck as evening prayers were about to begin in the world's biggest Muslim majority country on the holiest day of the week when mosques would be especially busy.

It was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, including one measuring 5.7 magnitude.

'Earthquake, earthquake!'

"I was about to start prayers but then I heard people shouting 'earthquake! earthquake!' so I stopped," Andi Temmaeli from Wajo, south of Palu, told AFP.

Lisa Soba Palloan, a resident of Toraja, also south of Palu, said locals felt several quakes Friday.

"The last one was quite big," she said.

"Everyone was getting out their homes, shouting in fear."

Quakes of similar magnitude can cause great damage to poorly built or designed structures, including the toppling of chimneys, columns and walls, according to USGS.

Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth.

It lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

This summer, a series of powerful quakes hit Lombok, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighbouring Sumbawa.

Some 1,500 people were injured and about 400,000 residents were displaced after their homes were destroyed.

Indonesia has been hit by a string of other deadly quakes including a devastating 9.1 magnitude tremor that struck off the coast of Sumatra in 2004.

That quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.

The Boxing Day disaster was the world's third-biggest quake since 1900, and lifted the ocean floor in some places by 15 metres.

Indonesia's Aceh province was the hardest hit area, but the tsunami-affected coastal areas as far away as Africa.

Among the country's other big earthquakes, a 6.3-magnitude quake in 2006 rocked a densely populated region of Java near the city of Yogyakarta, killing around 6,000 people and injuring 38,000.

More than 420,000 people were left homeless and some 157,000 houses were destroyed.

A year earlier, in 2005, a quake measuring 8.7 magnitude struck off the coast of Sumatra, which is particularly prone to quakes, killing 900 people and injuring 6,000.

It caused widespread destruction on the western island of Nias.

A powerful earthquake hit central Indonesia on Friday, causing a tsunami that slammed into a city on Sulawesi island with officials saying the tremor had levelled "many" buildings.

A powerful earthquake hit central Indonesia on Friday, causing a tsunami that slammed into a city on Sulawesi island with officials saying the tremor had levelled "many" buildings. The shallow 7.5 magnitude quake sparked terror among locals who fled into the streets and raced to higher ground fearing tsunami waves. The disaster agency briefly issued a tsunami warning before lifting it. But dramatic video footage filmed from the top floor of a parking ramp spiral in Palu, a city of 350,000 nearly 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the quake's epicentre, showed a churning wall of whitewater mow down several buildings and inundate a large mosque. Rahmat Triyono, head of the agency's earthquake and tsunami division, later confirmed the city was struck by a freak wave. People living hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre reported feeling the massive shake, hours after a smaller jolt killed at least one person in the same part of the Southeast Asian archipelago. There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries after the latest tremor, but it was a higher magnitude than a series of quakes that killed hundreds on the island of Lombok this summer. The quake hit just off central Sulawesi at a shallow depth of some 10 kilometres just before 6:00 pm local time (1100 GMT), the US Geological Survey said. "There are reports that many buildings collapsed in the earthquake," national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said in a statement. "Residents panicked and scattered out of their homes." Pictures supplied by the agency showed a badly damaged shopping mall in Palu where at least one floor had collapsed onto the storey below. Other pictures showed major damage to buildings, with rubble strewn about the road and large cracks running through pavements. Facebook Live video showed long traffic jams formed in some parts of the region as terrified residents packed into cars, trucks and motorbikes to flee to higher ground following the tsunami warning. Search and rescue teams have been dispatched to hard-hit areas, Nugroho said. AFP phone calls to several regional hospitals went unanswered and Palu's main airport was closed around 7.30 pm local time, with authorities saying it would not open for 24 hours. Friday's tremor was centred 78 kilometres north of Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province, but was felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on the neighbouring island of Kalimantan, Indonesia's portion of Borneo island. The initial tremor struck as evening prayers were about to begin in the world's biggest Muslim majority country on the holiest day of the week when mosques would be especially busy. It was followed by a series of powerful aftershocks, including one measuring 5.7 magnitude. 'Earthquake, earthquake!' "I was about to start prayers but then I heard people shouting 'earthquake! earthquake!' so I stopped," Andi Temmaeli from Wajo, south of Palu, told AFP. Lisa Soba Palloan, a resident of Toraja, also south of Palu, said locals felt several quakes Friday. "The last one was quite big," she said. "Everyone was getting out their homes, shouting in fear." Quakes of similar magnitude can cause great damage to poorly built or designed structures, including the toppling of chimneys, columns and walls, according to USGS. Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth. It lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide and many of the world's volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. This summer, a series of powerful quakes hit Lombok, killing more than 550 people on the holiday island and neighbouring Sumbawa. Some 1,500 people were injured and about 400,000 residents were displaced after their homes were destroyed. Indonesia has been hit by a string of other deadly quakes including a devastating 9.1 magnitude tremor that struck off the coast of Sumatra in 2004. That quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia. The Boxing Day disaster was the world's third-biggest quake since 1900, and lifted the ocean floor in some places by 15 metres. Indonesia's Aceh province was the hardest hit area, but the tsunami-affected coastal areas as far away as Africa. Among the country's other big earthquakes, a 6.3-magnitude quake in 2006 rocked a densely populated region of Java near the city of Yogyakarta, killing around 6,000 people and injuring 38,000. More than 420,000 people were left homeless and some 157,000 houses were destroyed. A year earlier, in 2005, a quake measuring 8.7 magnitude struck off the coast of Sumatra, which is particularly prone to quakes, killing 900 people and injuring 6,000. It caused widespread destruction on the western island of Nias.

Indonesian city hit by tsunami after powerful quake

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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/65-magnitude-quake-strikes-indonesias-java-island-26875" target="_blank">6.5 magnitude quake strikes Indonesia&#39;s Java island</a>

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&nbsp;

Trump's much-touted tax cut on track for passage in US Congress A major tax cut promised by US President Donald Trump was on track for final passage next week, after two previous holdouts in his Republican party said Friday they would vote yes on the legislation. Celebrations at Congress headquarters ahead of Rahul Gandhi's take over as party president Congress party headquarters in Delhi wore a festive look ahead of Rahul Gandhi's take over as party president today with several supporters and party workers thronging 24, Akbar Road, early morning to celebrate the 'coronation' of party's new Chief. Rex Tillerson calls for release of two reporters arrested in Myanmar US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Friday that the United States was demanding "the immediate release" of two Reuters reporters arrested in Myanmar "or information as to the circumstances around their disappearance." Cabinet clears triple talaq bill, 3 years jail for guilty husbands in proposed law The Union cabinet on Friday cleared the triple talaq bill. Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the Cabinet had approved a proposal to introduce the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, to make instant triple talaq void and illegal. 6.5 magnitude quake strikes Indonesia's Java island A strong 6.5-magnitude earthquake rocked Indonesia`s main island of Java late Friday, leaving at least one person dead and rattling nerves in the capital Jakarta.

WION Morning News Brief, 16 December 2017