A total of 59 houses incurred serious damage, 45 houses suffered moderate damage, and 67 houses had incurred light damageAmbon, Maluku (ANTARA) - Transportation Minister Budi karya Sumadi said several buildings of Pattimura University (Unpatti) got damaged due to the 6.5-magnitude earthquake that jolted Ambon city, Maluku Province, on Sept 26.
The impact of the strong earthquake on Pattimura University's facilities had been reported to his colleague, Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, he told journalists after visiting the university campus area on Friday.
Unpatti Rector M.J.Sapteno had even talked to Minister Basuki Hadimuljono to report his university's damaged buildings, Sumadi said.
Sumadi further said that he had also called on Minister Basuki Hadimuljono to observe the impact of the earthquake that has reportedly killed at least 23 local people.
He said visiting Ambon city is part of his scheduled activities during his official trip to several cities in eastern Indonesia, including Makassar, Manokwari and Jayapura.
Related news: Ambon earthquake claims one life
A 6.5-magnitude earthquake, striking the Maluku provincial capital of Ambon on Thursday, caused destruction to 171 houses in its path, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
"A total of 59 houses incurred serious damage, 45 houses suffered moderate damage, and 67 houses had incurred light damage," Agus Wibowo, acting chief of the BNPB Data and Information Center and Public Relations, noted in a press statement released on Friday.
Places of worship and educational facilities, including five buildings in Pattimura University campus and buildings in the Ambon State Institute of Islamic Studies (IAIN) campus, were also destroyed when the quake had rattled the area.
Moreover, the Red and White Bridge developed cracks following the quake.
Several local government offices, including a job training center, food resilience board, and social service offices, were also damaged.
The powerful quake's epicenter was located around 40 kilometers (km) northeast of Ambon, at a depth of 10 km beneath the seabed.
The death toll in the quake has reached at least 23, while over 100 others were injured.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) confirmed that some 15 thousand people had fled their homes since the powerful quake hit the city on Thursday.
"The BNPB calls on the local residents to remain vigilant to aftershocks and not be easily incited by fake information that may lead to panic and fear," Wibowo added.
Related news: Ambon's 6.5-magnitude earthquake leaves 23 dead
Related news: Ambon struck by 6.5-magnitude earthquake
Translator: Jimmy Ayal, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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