Deadly Earthquake in Indonesia’s Sumatra Leaves 150 Dead

At least 150 people have been killed and hundreds injured after a powerful earthquake struck Indonesia’s Sumatra Island early Saturday, triggering widespread destruction and panic.

According to Indonesia’s Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the quake registered a magnitude of 7.4, with its epicenter near the city of Padang. The tremor was felt across West Sumatra and neighboring provinces, toppling buildings, cutting power lines, and damaging key roads.

Authorities said search and rescue teams are working around the clock to pull survivors from the rubble. At least 20 aftershocks were recorded, raising fears of further collapses in already fragile structures.

President Joko Widodo has ordered the immediate deployment of military and disaster response teams, promising full government support for victims. “The priority is saving lives and providing urgent assistance,” he said.

Hospitals in Padang and surrounding towns are overwhelmed, forcing medical staff to treat patients in makeshift tents. Relief agencies warn that thousands have been displaced, with many in urgent need of shelter, clean water, and food supplies.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area prone to seismic activity. The country has suffered several deadly earthquakes in recent years, including the 2018 Sulawesi quake that killed more than 4,000 people.

The United Nations has offered assistance, with Secretary-General António Guterres expressing condolences to the victims’ families and pledging international solidarity.

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