5 Jan 2009

At least four dead after earthquake in Indonesian province of Papua

6:25 am on 5 January 2009

A series of powerful earthquakes off the northern coast of West Papua in Indonesia early on Sunday has killed four people and injured several others.

Officials and local television reports flattened buildings.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6 and occurred some 150 km northeast of Manokwari at a depth of 35 kilometres.

Local media say that health, social and public works ministers flew to the affected area, to take medicine, food, tents and cash to victims.

Reuters reports they will also inspect the local airport following a report that it had been damaged.