Death Toll Of Aceh Earthquake Rises To 30

Jakarta, July 4 (Antara) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) on Thursday evening reported that the death toll of Aceh`s earthquake increased to 30 from previously reported 24. "Among the dead victims, 12 were residents of Bener Meriah District while the other 18 were from Central Aceh District," according to BNPB spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho in a short text message here on Thursday. In Central Aceh District, the 6.2 magnitude quake on Tuesday (July 2) left heaviest damage in Sarempah village, Ketol Sub District. The local administration has decided to relocate Sarempah villagers because the area is not decent anymore for living. Meanwhile, Sutopo said aid for quake victims is still distributed to Bener Meriah and Central Aceh. Aceh Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPNA) has distributed 1,5 tons of rice, 215 packs of instant noodle, 180 kg of cooking oil, 200 blankets, 400 napkins and some kinds of staple food in a large amount to Central Aceh. "The same assistance such as rice, instant noodle, mineral water, sardine, and sauce has been delivered to Bener Meriah," he said. The Social Affairs Ministry of Indonesia has also distributed rice, sardine, tents, power generators and other stuffs as the value at Rp2.1 billion. "Earlier, Social Agency in Central Aceh, and Benar Meriah distributed each two tons of rice," he added. However, Sutopo said people still need a lot of blankets, mats, clothes, and foods. The 6.2 magnitude earthquake jolted Aceh province on Tuesday at 2.37 p.m Western Indonesia Time. The quake did not have the potential to cause tsunami, according to the head of Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The epicenter of the quake was located at 4.70 degrees of Northern Latitude and 96.61 degrees of Eastern Longitude or 35 kilometers southwest of Bener Meriah District at a depth of 10 kilometers.