Indonesia has been hit by a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter scale. The quake struck off the coast of Sumatra Island and caused widespread damage across several cities in the region.
According to reports, the earthquake was felt as far away as Singapore and Malaysia. Several buildings, including homes, offices, and schools have collapsed or suffered severe damage due to the tremors. Rescue teams are working around the clock to search for survivors trapped under rubble.
The Indonesian government has declared a state of emergency in affected areas and urged people to remain calm while rescue efforts continue. The country's president Joko Widodo has assured his citizens that all possible measures will be taken to help those affected by the disaster.
"We are closely monitoring developments in affected areas and ensuring that necessary resources are being deployed for rescue operations," said President Widodo in a statement released on social media.
The earthquake comes just weeks after another powerful quake hit Sulawesi Island which claimed more than 80 lives and displaced thousands from their homes.
Indonesia is no stranger to natural disasters like earthquakes due its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire - an area prone to seismic activity due to tectonic plate movements beneath it. However, this latest earthquake has once again highlighted how vulnerable many parts of Indonesia remain when it comes natural disasters.