REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded a total of 152 aftershocks following a 7.4-magnitude quake in the district of Donggala, Central Sulawesi, on Friday evening. According to the agency, hundreds of aftershocks occurred until 7 p.m. on Saturday, but only few of them had a magnitude of above five to be felt by the people.

A 5.1-magnitude quake was recorded at 17.30.20 hours 36 kilometers southeast of Sigi, 60 kilometers southwest of Poso, 69 kilometers southeast of Palu, and 96 kilometers northeast of Luwu, North Sulawesi. It did not have the potential to cause a tsunami.

Earlier, the head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Willem Rampangilei, said the number of deaths from the Central Sulawesi quake had risen to 420. However, the death toll has not covered Donggala and Sigi districts.

"This is the number recorded in Palu only," he noted, replying to Antara on Saturday evening.

Photo supplied the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) showed a shopping mall destroyed by a 7.4-magnitude quake that jolted Donggala, Central Sulawesi, Friday (Sept 28).

Willem said the destruction caused by the quake in Donggala and Sigi has been very significant. No reports about its degree and victims have been received yet, due to disruptions in communications, he said.

In view of the situation, the Special Task Force's main priority would be searching, saving and assisting the victims, he said. Until Saturday evening, there have been 10,000 evacuees housed in 50 locations in the city of Palu.

"They will be given shelter, food and medicines," he said.

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