Indonesia: Relief efforts, disruption continue on Sulawesi following earthquake /update 9

Event

Relief efforts continue as of Friday, October 5, for victims of the 7.5-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that hit Central Sulawesi on September 28. The Mutiara SIS Al-Jufri (PLW) airport in Palu, which had temporarily reopened to commercial flights despite having sustained severe damage, is currently only operating military and humanitarian flights until further notice. A state of emergency is in effect until October 11.

The local authorities have reported over 1550 deaths have so far, along with at least 2500 people severely injured. Some 1000 people remain unaccounted for as of October 5 and 200,000 are said to be in need of immediate assistance. Overland routes to rural areas remain severely affected due to landslides or collapsed bridges and limited supplies are reaching other parts of Central Sulawesi, including Donggala regency. Other infrastructure, including telecommunications, electricity, and water, also remains damaged. Aftershocks continue to remain possible.

Furthermore, the military has reportedly ordered officers to open fire on looters, following a warning shot.

Context

A 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit Central Sulawesi province at 18:02 on September 28, 81 km (50 mi) north of Palu at a depth of 10 km (6 mi), causing a tsunami around 2 m (6 ft) high that struck the western coast of Sulawesi and Palu. 

Indonesia lies within the active seismic zone known as "the Pacific Ring of Fire."

Advice

Individuals present in the impacted region are advised to monitor the situation, be prepared for further aftershocks, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Individuals elsewhere in Indonesia are advised to defer all travel to the affected areas until further notice.

During an earthquake, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), to move away from windows and exterior walls, and do not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from any tall structures, such as buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.

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