Indonesian Earthquake: Dozens dead

An earthquake of 6.5 magnitude on Richter scale in Sumatra has killed about 92 people and many dozens have been left trapped. Hundreds of people have been injured and many buildings have also collapsed. The earthquake struck at dawn when most of the population which is predominantly Muslim was preparing for morning prayers.

Seismologists have stated that the quake was felt all across the Aceh province which had been devastated by the Indian tsunami in 2004. There were atleast 5 after-shocks which were felt. Indonesia is highly prone to seismic and volcanic activity as it is situated in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” (It is an area in the Pacific Ocean which is usually linked with a series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs and belts, plate movements etc. It houses 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes. The Ring is the result of Plate Tectonic and is called Circum-Pacific Belt). Aceh is located on the northern tip of Sumatra Island and is highly prone to earthquakes.

The 2004 Tsunami in Indian Ocean had killed over 1,70,000 people in Indonesia and many others in other countries. It was caused by an undersea earthquake.