UPDATE - Death toll rises to 8 in Indonesia earthquake

More than 15,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas, officials say

UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLL, ADDS DETAILS

By Pizaro Gozali Idrus

JAKARTA (AA) - The death toll from a powerful earthquake hitting Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island has risen to eight, the national disaster agency said on Friday.

Meanwhile, 637 people were reportedly injured after the magnitude 6.2 quake struck six kilometers (3.73 miles) northeast of the city of Majene, at a depth of 10 km (6.2 mi).

More than 15,000 people have been evacuated to 10 shelters from the affected areas.

According to the National Disaster Management Agency, a number of buildings were severely damaged, including the office of West Sulawesi governor, Mamuju Hospital and a minimarket.

The strong quake also caused power and phone service outages and landslides along roads.

*Writing by Maria Elisa Hospita

Kaynak:

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