Indonesia 5.4 Magnitude Earthquake displaces 2,136 residents in Jayapura

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the Indonesian board for natural disaster affairs, has said that 2,136 people are displaced by an earthquake of magnitude 5.4, which shook Jayapura City, Papua, on Thursday.

According to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the earthquake hit the north coast of Papua, Indonesia, at 106:28 GMT on Thursday. The earthquake also killed four people and damaged buildings. Asep Khalid, head of the Jayapura disaster mitigation agency, said that four people died when a cafe collapsed because of the earthquake.

Acting Head of the Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center at BNPB, Abdul Muhari, said that 15 houses were heavily damaged. Reportedly, five office buildings and the Jayapura City Hospital incurred damage due to the earthquake.

The Jayapura City Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) team and the Papua Provincial BPBD provided basic emergency response support to earthquake victims. The meteorological agency also warned of potential aftershocks.

BMKG chief, Dwikorita Karnawati, said that since January 2, 2023, there have been 1,079 quakes around Jayapura.

Reportedly, the Jayapura City Government in Papua Province also announced a 21-day disaster emergency response period from February 9 to March 1 following the 5.4-magnitude earthquake.

Acting Regional Secretary of Jayapura City Robby Awi said that they would establish a command post where people can temporarily take refuge. The Jayapura City Social Affairs Office has also coordinated with the Social Affairs Ministry to build disaster command posts in order to help earthquake victims.

According to BNPB, around 700 people had been evacuated after the earthquake struck Jayapura City. BNPB also said that at least five people were injured due to the earthquake.

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Meanwhile, Abdul Halim Iskandar, the Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration, said that village funds could be used to handle the impacts of the earthquake.