Rescuers search for Indonesia earthquake survivors

Rescue workers in Indonesia searched Thursday for people who might still be trapped a day after an earthquake struck Aceh province, while local officials appealed for medical supplies and other aid to help those left injured or without a home.

The magnitude 6.5 earthquake has killed about 100 people and injured more than 600 others. It hit the northern end of Sumatra island early Wednesday, bringing down dozens of buildings, with the Pidie Jaya district the hardest hit, Reuters said.

Thousands of people spent the night in mosques and other temporary shelters, while others slept outside. The government has declared a two-week state of emergency in Aceh.

The Indonesian Red Cross distributed blankets, hygiene kits and tarps to those affected by the earthquake and called for people to donate blood to help the injured.

Volunteers also made their way to earthquake-hit areas to rush people to hospitals, which are now overloaded with patients.

“We are now focusing on searching for victims and possible survivors,” said Sutopo Nugroho, a spokesman from Indonesia’s national disaster management agency.

According to Nugroho, at least 1,000 workers, including officers, military personnel and volunteers, were deployed to help victims.

The International Organization for Migration ((IOM)) said in a statement that it has deployed an assessment team from Banda Aceh to heavily damaged areas.

The IOM said the two staffers have worked closely with the provincial disaster management agency known as BPBD for three years in preparation for an event like this.