5 Districts In Jember Affected By Earthquake, Dozens Of Houses Damaged

SURABAYA - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Jember Regency, East Java noted that five sub-districts in its area were affected by the earthquake. Several houses in the five sub-districts suffered light, moderate to heavy damage.

"The most severely damaged sub-district, namely Ambulu Sub-district, there were around six houses that were lightly to heavily damaged. There was also one Islamic boarding school that was slightly damaged," Jember BPBD Secretary Heru Widagdo confirmed, Thursday, December 16.

Besides Ambulu District, four other sub-districts were also affected by the earthquake, namely Tempurejo District. Three houses suffered light to moderate damage. While in Puger and Wuluhan sub-districts one house was moderately damaged, and in Silo sub-district one house was lightly damaged.

Until now, it is not known about the fatalities and injuries, because the data collection is still in the process.

"Data on affected locations can still be developed. People are advised to remain calm, and avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged by the earthquake," he said.

Heru said that his area had been hit by two earthquakes in the past week. The first earthquake occurred on Monday, December 13 with a magnitude of 5.3 and Thursday, December 16 with a magnitude of 5.1 centered in the southwest of Jember Regency.

"Last Monday's earthquake was mild, this time it is heavy. It caused damage to houses in several areas," he said.