EAST KOLAKA 'Earthquake measuring 5.1 rocked East Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, on Wednesday afternoon, causing dozens of houses and a hospital to be damaged.

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of East Kolaka recorded 33 houses affected by this earthquake, with the worst damage occurring in Horodopi Village, Mowe District. Several walls of residents' houses even collapsed due to the shock.

Apart from settlements, a number of houses of worship and public facilities were also reported to have been damaged. Until now, the East Kolaka BPBD is still collecting data related to the impact of the earthquake.

The earthquake also affected Benyamin Guluh Hospital (RSBG) Kolaka. The walls of the hospital building cracked, so the hospital immediately evacuated dozens of patients as an anticipatory measure.

Acting (Pj) Kolaka Regent, Muhammad Fadlansyah, who directly observed the condition of the hospital, revealed that as many as 65 patients had been evacuated to the hospital lobby. Those in the upper floor room were moved to the first floor to avoid greater risks in case of aftershocks.

According to Fadlansyah, the condition of the hospital is still relatively safe, and the evacuation is carried out as a precautionary measure.

"The building blocks did experience minor cracks, but did not cause fatal damage. God willing, the building is still sturdy and safe to live in. However, we still have to be aware of possible aftershocks," he said.

Currently, a team from the Health Service and the Kolaka BPBD have conducted an examination of the structure of the hospital building. The results show that the Kolaka RSBG building is still suitable for use.

The local government appealed to the public to remain vigilant and follow the development of information from the authorities regarding the potential for aftershocks.


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