Simeulue Earthquake Impact: Dozens of Injuries, Losses Reach IDR 121.5 Billion

SIMEULUE - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Simeulue Regency, Aceh Province, recorded losses due to the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that shook the archipelago on November 26 reaching IDR 121.5 billion.

The Head of the Simeulue Regency BPBD, Zulfadli, said the earthquake caused damage to residents' buildings to various public facilities in a number of areas.

"The losses due to the earthquake at the end of November amounted to IDR 121.5 billion. This figure is still provisional and is still in the process of being counted," said Zulfadli in Simeulue, Monday, December 22.

He detailed that the damage included nine government facilities with an estimated temporary loss of Rp372 million. In addition, 54 units of educational facilities were damaged with an estimated loss of Rp2.2 billion.

Damage also occurred to eight health facilities with a loss of around Rp670 million. Meanwhile, nine places of worship were damaged with an estimated loss of Rp1.35 billion.

"Furthermore, 78 units of residents' houses were damaged with an estimated temporary loss of Rp985 million, as well as 27 units of public facilities with an estimated loss of up to Rp115.95 billion," said Zulfadli.

In addition to physical damage, the earthquake also resulted in injuries. BPBD recorded at least 20 people affected by the earthquake spread across several areas of Simeulue Regency.

"For the injured and injured, 20 people were recorded. This data is still provisional and may change at any time," said Zulfadli.

Regarding post-disaster handling, Zulfadli said emergency assistance had been distributed to affected communities, ranging from emergency tents, food, to clothing.

"We have distributed emergency assistance to the victims. Meanwhile, for reconstruction, it is currently still in the data collection and planning stage," he said.

Simeulue Regency is the outermost archipelago area in Aceh Province which is in the Indian Ocean, about 180 nautical miles from the west coast of Sumatra Island. This area is an expansion of West Aceh Regency since 1999 and has 10 sub-districts with 138 gampongs inhabited by around 94,000 people.