At about 01:00 local time, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Indonesia's Sulawesi island, toppling buildings, triggering landslides, cutting of power, injuring over 600 people, and killing at least 34 others. According to a report by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at the Mamuju–Majene thrust fault at a depth of 18 kilometers (11 miles) and lasted about 7 seconds. A few hours earlier, a 5.7 foreshock hit the area. As of now, the exact number of casualties and economic damage from the quake is still unclear.

Local reports indicate that at least 300 houses were badly damaged, and about 15,000 people are temporarily being housed in shelters across the affected areas. Thousands of people are currently without electricity, running water, or telecommunication service. Rescue teams say that there are reports of many people trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings, that the death toll is expected to continue to climb, and that the lack of heavy equipment hampered efforts to help search for the missing. Indonesian President Joko Widodo offered his condolences to those killed and injured in the quake. He urged locals and visitors to the affected regions to stay calm as authorities step up rescue efforts and send food, water, medicine, and other necessities to the area.

The Indonesia Air Force will be sending a Boeing 737 to assist in search and rescue operations while the Navy will deploy two ships, one being a hospital ship, to provide aid to those affected. Meanwhile, the Indonesian National Police said that well over 100 personnel had already been deployed while solar cells and portable energy units have also been transported to affected regions to support victims of the quake.

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