Surabaya, E Java (ANTARA) - The East Java administration has received one thousand sheets of light-gauge steel from building material manufacturer PT Kepuh Kencana Arum for distribution to earthquake survivors in the province.

East Java's acting governor, Adhy Karyono, noted in a press statement on Wednesday that the donated light-gauge steel will be used for repairs of earthquake-damaged houses.

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake that jolted Gresik District, East Java, on March 22, caused damage in 17 villages of Sangkapura Sub-district and 13 villages of Tambak Sub-district in Bawean Island.

The disaster also affected the districts of Tuban, Bojonegoro, Lamongan, Sidoarjo, and Pamekasan, as well as Surabaya City.

"The need for this light-gauge steel is relevant to the outcomes of our recent earthquake impact analysis and useful for the repairs of houses and public facilities," he remarked.

According to the East Java Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), the quake damaged 6,053 houses, 91 school buildings, six hospitals, eight Islamic boarding schools, and 26 office buildings.

It also damaged 187 houses of worship, a livestock cage, and three motorcycles.

Karyono said that Bawean Island is severely affected by the quake due to its geographical proximity to the epicenter.

Hence, to help locals repair their damaged homes, the donated light-gauge steel would soon be shipped and distributed to the island, he added.

He thanked and commended PT Kepuh Kencana Arum for its sympathy and care for the earthquake victims.

ANTARA earlier reported that following the 6.1-magnitude earthquake in Tuban District, East Java, at around 11:22 a.m. local time, on March 22, the BMKG recorded 149 aftershocks between March 22 and 23.

The epicenter of the quake was located about 132 kilometers northeast of Tuban, at a depth of 10 km, while the magnitude of two of the 149 aftershocks was recorded at 5.9 and 6.4.

The BMKG noted that the epicenters of the 5.9 and 6.4 magnitude aftershocks were located about 36 km west of Bawean Island and 126 km from Tuban City.

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Translator: W.Irawan, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Anton Santoso
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