Indonesia earthquake strong, at least 18 people died

The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter scale, although there was no tsunami warning, it caused a series of houses to collapse. Information indicates that at least 18 people died.

The latest news from the press said local officials have confirmed 18 people died. However, the Red Cross Organization said there were 20 people killed and dozens injured.

Mr. Rudianto - head of the Indonesian Red Cross Organization in Aceh, said some buildings were completely flattened.

"We are currently trying to evacuate a family of three people trapped under a collapsed house , " said official Said Mulyadi. "We are treating patients outside and setting up a makeshift tent."

A building in Aceh province was badly damaged by the earthquake - (Photo: AFP).

The earthquake struck on December 7, intensity of 6.5 on the Richter scale, a fairly shallow epicenter, located north of Reuleuet, Aceh province, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Images on social networks show many buildings become ruins, electric poles and people gather on the road.

Officials said at least four people were killed and dozens were worried they were trapped in collapsed houses. However, some sources said at least 18 people have died.

"Many houses and shops are collapsed in Pidie Jaya district. The owners of these houses are still trapped," Mr. Achmad, director of the local disaster response agency, told AFP.

"We are currently deploying heavy machinery to help. Hopefully we can save those who are trapped , " he said.

Meteorological, Climate and Geophysical officials said the earthquake was felt throughout the province of Aceh, which was heavily devastated in a massive devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean. 2004.

Indonesia's national disaster management agency (BNPB) also confirmed that many buildings were damaged by earthquakes and that doctors were working hard to treat the injured.

An injured person is being treated - (Photo: BNPB / Twitter).

In the town of Sigli, panicked people fled their homes and sought shelter away from the coast."We are evacuating to Tijue (about 3km from Sigli) for fear of the tsunami , " a resident named Nilawati said.

In Pidie district, it was reported that electricity had been cut off in Bireuen district, a university that had been damaged by an earthquake.

At least five aftershocks have been recorded after the earthquake.

In Australia, the Earthquake Research Agency said that the Indonesian earthquake was very strong, which could be felt from a place 836 km away, but did not pose a threat to tsunami land in Australia.

The agency also identified damage from the earthquake that could extend 67 km from the epicenter.

People gather in front of an earthquake building in Pidie town, Aceh province - (Photo: AFP).

People run away from the coast after the earthquake - (Photo: TWITTER).

Image of a collapsed house due to earthquake shared on social networks - (Photo: TWITTER).

Map of the place where the earthquake occurred - (Photo: USGS).