A 6.5 magnitude earthquake has struck Pidie Jaya in Aceh province, Indonesia, where dozens of buildings have collapsed and people feared trapped under rubble.

Until now at least 26 people were killed. Indonesia’s meteorological agency said there was no risk of a tsunami.

IARU Region Director Wisnu YB0AZ, in a phone with the Chief of ORARI Aceh province Abdullah Ali YB6AA, confirmed that radio amateurs are now in the field to support the disaster communications to help injured people.

ORARI members in Aceh and Medan North Sumatra are working on 7.110 MHz and local 2-metre FM VHF frequencies. The request has been made to keep those frequencies clear for emergency traffic.

Earlier reported were that most killed were in the worst hit Ini Pidie area. The National Disaster Management Agency said many panicked and rushed outdoors at 5am local time.

Jim Linton VK3PC
Chairman
IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee.