Strong aftershocks felt; people fled homes, businesses in panic

 

JAKARTA, Indonesia - A powerful earthquake shook Indonesia on Wednesday, reportedly killing at least 10 people, injuring dozens and triggering a small tsunami that hit one city on the island of Sumatra, authorities said.
The 8.4-magnitude quake off Sumatra badly damaged buildings along the coast and could be felt in at least four countries, with tall buildings swaying as far as 1,200 miles away.
It was followed by a series of aftershocks, the strongest of which registered at a magnitude of 6.6 and triggered a second tsunami alert for Indonesia, which was lifted about an hour later, said Suhardjono, an official with Indonesia’s meteorological agency.Officials reported at least 10 deaths. Estimates of injuries ranged from 100 to several hundred.
Two people were killed when a car dealership collapsed and another person died in a fire on the fourth floor of a department store, a witness, Alfin, said by phone, adding that excavation machinery was being used to search through the rubble for survivors.
Seven people also were killed in and around Bengkulu, a town 250 miles away, Social Affairs Department official Felix Valentino told the news portal detik.com.
Phone lines and electricity also were cut. Most of the damage appeared to be from the quake, not the tsunami.
A wave of up to 3 feet was reported to have struck the city of Padang about 20 minutes after the initial quake, Suhardjono said.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also reported that a small tsunami hit Padang.
Several buildings in Padang were damaged and at least one car showroom collapsed, according to detik.com, which said people were searching to see if anyone was inside. It did not say whether the quake or wave caused the damage. Suhardjono said communication with the area was difficult.
At least one person was killed and dozens injured in Bengkulu, the town closest to the epicenter, local government official Salamun Harius told El Shinta radio. At least 100 others were hospitalized, senior Health Ministry official Rustam Pakaya said.
People ran inland
Residents in Bengkulu, where at least one building was demolished, said the quake triggered panic and that people ran inland.
“Everyone is running out of their houses in every direction,” said Wati Said, who spoke by cell phone standing outside her house. “We think our neighborhood is high enough. God willing, if the water comes, it will not touch us here.”
And.......

This week we were visited by Pak Muharor, ex Chairman of New York Javanese Society.

We were just visited by 4 Indonesian from MIGAS who attended seminar at the Renaisance

Have a Very Happy Wedding for Lasmini which party was held at the Renaisance Hotel and we took care their catering.

Indo Pro

Indonesian Professional Community that most of the member reside at North Austin or Round Rock area is led by Mr. Freddy

The Last Reunion Potluck Party was held at Club House of Terra Vista Golf (Round Rock) arranged by Ibu Leslie

Permias

United Indonesian Student in US,

Chaiman by Belih Gede (Balinese)

Independence Day:

Friday 17 August 2007

 

 

Any body interested, send your proposal or response to iwanm@javagardens.net