Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Indonesia

Remote northern islands of Indonesia hit by series of earthquakes; residents reported 10 meter waves, 3 died

A 7.2 Richter Scale took place at 1.34am in Sangihe Talaud Islands of North Sulawesi (Celebes). The remote islands are a part in of Ring of Fire that produced frequent earthquakes and disasters 14 aftershocks above 5.0 Richter scales followed just in the past few hours.

In Talaud Districts residents reported that in Melonguange 3 people died, while no reports of injuries and damages yet. Residents also reported that up to 50% houses damaged in nearby Pangara Island, no details yet reported. Another resident reported a wave of 10 meter high. No official report yet, while everyone is coming to office this morning. Ironically, Sangihe Talaud came up in the headline of Kompas this morning as one of the crucial border for terrorists training in Southern Philippines.

A total of 91, 067 live in Talaud District while in Sangihe District, both are considered less developed areas with higher poverty and health issues like malaria.

Indonesia has been plagued by high tides in the past weeks in several island, including Java. HOPE worldwide Indonesia has been supporting flooded victims as well in Jakarta slums of Cilincing and Pedongkelan, bringing food & nutrition as well as clean up kits. We are monitoring this situation closely in Sangihe and Talaud as our office in Manado is standing by to send a disaster relief team if need.

For further information, contact: Charles M. Ham,Country Director

HOPE worldwide - Indonesia email: charles_ham@hopeww.org ; cell: 628161834574 HOPE worldwide 353 W Lancaster Ave Wayne, PA