Death Toll Rises To 42 In Indonesia Quake

The death toll from a powerful earthquake hitting Indonesia's Sulawesi Island has risen to 42, the national disaster agency said late Friday.

Eight fatalities were reported in Majene Regency, while 34 others were killed in Mamuju Regency after the magnitude 6.2 quake struck six kilometers (3.73 miles) northeast of the Majene city, at a depth of 10 km (6.2 mi).

Meanwhile, 637 people were reportedly injured while more than 15,000 people have been evacuated to 15 shelters from the affected areas, according to the National Disaster Management Agency.

Several buildings were severely damaged, including the office of West Sulawesi governor, Mamuju Hospital, and a minimarket.

The strong quake also caused power and phone service outages, and landslides along roads.

Earthquakes regularly hit various parts of Indonesia since the country lies on the Circum-Pacific Belt, also known as the Ring of Fire.

On Feb. 23, 1969, a powerful quake with a magnitude of 6.9 rocked Majene, killing 64 people and injuring 96 others.

*Writing by Maria Elisa Hospita with Anadolu Agency's Indonesian-language service in Jakarta -