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Indonesian Rescuers Continue Search for Quake Victims


Indonesian rescuers have fanned out across Aceh province to search for victims of a strong earthquake that struck the northern tip of Sumatra island on Tuesday, killing at least 24 people.

Authorities said Wednesday the victims were killed by collapsing homes and landslides in the districts of Bener Meriah and Central Aceh. About 250 people were injured.

Indonesia earthquake locator map (Credit: USGS)
Indonesia earthquake locator map (Credit: USGS)
A series of aftershocks hit Aceh in the hours after the 6.1 magnitude quake. Frightened residents slept outdoors in makeshift shelters, prompting authorities to appeal for tents to be sent to the region.

Officials said blocked and damaged roads were hampering relief and rescue efforts.

Indonesia's Sumatra island is prone to earthquakes due to its location near fault lines encircling the Pacific Ocean, an area known as the Pacific Ring of Fire.

A huge 2004 earthquake off Aceh triggered a tsunami that killed more than 200,000 people in countries across the Indian Ocean. Many of the victims were in Aceh.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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