5 Jan 2009

Eyewitnesses in Papua speak of collapsed buildings in earthquake that killed four

10:42 am on 5 January 2009

Eyewitnesses in the Indonesia province of Papua have spoken of mass panic and collapsing buildings after a series of powerful earthquakes.

At least four people have been killed and dozens injured

The strongest tremor, with a magnitude of 7.6, struck north of the city of Manokwari.

It was followed by another big quake and a string of aftershocks.

A tsunami alert was issued by Indonesian authorities following the earthquakes, but withdrawn within an hour.

Assessment teams and medical supplies are expected to begin arriving shortly.