Earthquake of 6.4 magnitude hits Indonesia, at least 97 killed

At least 97 persons were killed and over 500 injured when an earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter Scale hit Aceh province in Indonesia on Wednesday, an official said

A badly damaged building is seen after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck the town of Pidie, Indonesia's Aceh province in northern Sumatra. Pic/AFP

Jakarta: At least 97 persons were killed and over 500 injured when an earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter Scale hit Aceh province in Indonesia on Wednesday, an official said.

The epicentre of the powerful earthquake was 18 km northeast Pidie Jaya district and the depth was at 10 km underground, Xinhua news agency quoted disaster relief officials as saying.

Tens of houses, buildings and infrastructure facilities were destroyed by the powerful and shallow quake, the official told Xinhua news agency.

Most victims and damages were in Pidie Jaya district, one of the hardest hit areas. A search and rescue operation was on.

Dozens of people remained trapped under the debris of buildings of shops in Pidie Jaya.

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