Quake in Indonesia's East Java Kills Eight, Damages over 3,000 Homes

KOMPAS.com - A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Indonesia’s East Java on Saturday, April 10, killing eight people including a couple whose motorcycle was hit by falling rocks, and damaging more than 3,000 buildings. 

Head of Meteorological, Climatology and Geophysics Agency or BMKG Daryono noted that the earthquake was traced to a depth of 25 kilometers offshore the town of Kepanjen in Malang regency.

“The earthquake was caused by friction between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The tremors would have caused a tsunami if it occurred at lower depths or higher magnitudes, but that did not happen,” Daryono said. 

Meanwhile, Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini distributed a total of 120 million rupiahs ($8,300) death compensation to beneficiaries of the eight victims. Each beneficiary received the death benefit of 15 million rupiahs ($1,000). 

"Hopefully this assistance can ease the burden. On behalf of the government, I would like to express my deep sorrow, and I hope you can be patient. And this difficult time will end soon and we can continue our life," said Risma on Monday, April 12.

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Earthquake damaging a church in Blitar Regency on Sunday, April 11.(Dok. BPBD Kabupaten Blitar)

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A Classrooms' roofs and ceilings collapsed following an earthquake in Malang, East Java on Saturday, April 10.(KOMPAS.COM/ASIP HASANI)

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Blitar Regent Rini Syarifah provides assistance to residents in Blitar Regency on Sunday, April 11.(Dok. Polres Blitar)

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Social Minister Tri Rismaharini (left) with Lumajang Regent Thoriqul Haq (right) visiting the location affected by the earthquake in Kali Uling Village, Lumajang, East Java, Sunday, April 11.(ANTARA FOTO/Zabur Karuru)

(Writers: Haryanti Puspa Sari, Andi Hartik | Editors: Krisiandi, Robertus Belarminus)

Sources: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/04/12/11101771/mensos-risma-beri-santunan-rp-120-juta-untuk-8-ahli-waris-korban-gempa?page=all#page2.

https://regional.kompas.com/read/2021/04/12/114634278/update-gempa-malang-3253-unit-rumah-rusak-8-korban-meninggal?page=all#page2.