Indonesia: Earthquake - Aug 1989

On 1 August 1989, an earthquake measuring 5.6 on the richter scale occurred at 07:00 GMT (15:00 local time) in Irian Jaya district. The tremor caused a landslide of 200 m high and blocked Baliem river, and three villages upstream were inundated by water. 59 persons were reportedly dead, 15 were injured and 200 people were evacuated. The local authorities provided emergency assistance of food, clothing, blankets and cash grants. (UN DHA, 4 Aug 1989)