Earthquake of 6.2 magnitude hits Indonesia, casualties feared

An earthquake of 6.2 magnitude hits Indonesia in the early hours of Friday.

According to the authorities, at least 34 people have been killed and more than 600 injured after a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck and toppled buildings in Indonesia’s Sulawesi island.

As being reported, at least 26 of the fatalities were reported in the Mamuju area, while eight others were reported in other parts of Western Sulawesi.

The epicenter of the earthquake was six kilometres (3.73 miles) northeast of the city of Majene, at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles).

Following the early morning quake, at least 15,000 people are reported to have also been displaced.

 Most of the residents were sleeping when the earthquake hit. Several hospital buildings and hotels are reported to be badly damaged. 

As rescue operation is underway and several people are still trapped under the rubble of the buildings.

The scenes of destruction are emerging on social media from Indonesia’s Sulawesi region.