Indonesian rescue forces continue to search the ruins of what used to be a hospital, following a strong earthquake in western Sulawesi. The number of fatalities is still increasing.
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91 people were killed, nearly 800 others were injured, thousands lost their homes. Nearly 28,000 people affected by the quake were evacuated at 25 refuge points.
Today, Indonesian forces have stepped up rescue work in search of people buried in the rubble. More rescue workers and volunteers were deployed in Mamuju, the city most hit by the earthquake and neighboring Majene district on Sulawesi island.
Relief groups are trying to reach people in six isolated villages in Majene district due to the quake damaged bridges and roads. At least 1,150 homes in Majene were damaged.
In the face of the massive wave of refugees, a series of measures have been taken by the local authorities to prevent the risk of an outbreak of COVID-19. The West Sulawesi provincial government adopted an emergency response after the disaster, which lasted until January 28.