Indonesia: Earthquake - Oct 1995

A strong earthquake hit the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, approximately 170 km southeast of Padang, in the early morning of Saturday 7 October 1995 local time. According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake measured 7.0 on the Richter scale with the epicentre situated at latitude 2.1 degrees south and longitude 101.3 degrees east. Its origin time was 18.10 hrs GMT or 01.10 hrs local time. Other geographic monitoring sources put the magnitude of the earthquake slightly lower. Initial reports indicate that the earthquake caused serious damage in the area close to the epicentre. The number of casualties is still unclear but has been reported by media to exceed 50 in the city of Sungaipenuh. (UN DHA, 7 Oct 1995)

National and local authorities report that 75 people were killed, 773 severely injured and 1,300 slightly injured in yesterday's earthquake which also destroyed or seriously damaged more than 4,000 buildings and caused some damage to another 5,000 buildings. The epicentre of the earthquake was located 16 kms west of Sungaipenuh, the capital of the district of Kerinci. The following six sub-districts of Kerinci, which has a total population of 275,951 and is situated in the Jambi province of Sumatra, were affected by the quake: Airhangat, Danaukerinci, Gunungkerinci, Gunungraya, Sitinjaulaut and Sungaipenuh. (UN DHA, 8 Oct 1995)

Latest data regarding casualties and damage provided by Jambi province as of 24 October 1995: death toll 84, with 558 severely injured and 1,310 slightly injured, 7,137 houses severely damaged / destroyed and 10,533 houses suffered minor damage. The earthquake affected 11 districts, and not 6 as indicated earlier. (UN DHA, 27 Oct 1995)