| September 2 2009 |
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LIPPO CIKARANG - The 7.3 magnitude earthquake that shook big parts of western Indonesia has caused widespread damage in big parts of western Java. At least 15 people were killed in the quake in various locations hit by the earthquake. Priyadi Kardono, the head of the National Disaster Management Agency, said 15 people were dead in several locations. Earlier, Priyadi said six died in Cianjur alone because of a landslide that was triggered by the massive earthquake. Damage is reported in a huge area on the western part of the island of Java. Indonesia's capital and economic heart, Jakarta sustained damage to high-rise buildings. Cracks appeared in walls and windows shattered under the pressure of the swaying structures. Jakarta's governor, Fauzi Bowo, has ordered the owners of any high-rise structure in the capital to check their buildings as soon as possible. Cities and towns with less or no high-rise buildings also reported damage. In many cities houses have been flattened in the two-minute tremor, while other buildings like mosques, supermarkets and schools in many locations sustained damage from cracked walls to collapsed roofs. Many areas south of the city of Bandung had their power cut for a period of time as well. |