Aceh Quake: Number of homeless soars to 45000

At least 45,000 people have been displaced by the powerful earthquake that hit Indonesia’s Aceh province.

Relief efforts are being mobilised across the three districts near the epicenter of Wednesday’s magnitude 6.5 quake.

Temporary shelters have been set up as aid agencies and the Indonesian government battle to meet the survival needs of the thousands of displaced people.

At least 100 people were killed and hundreds injured in the quake, which also destroyed or damaged more than 11,000 buildings.

Rescue teams continue to search for bodies and possible survivors in the devastated town of Meureudu, where a market was largely destroyed.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo travelled Friday to worst-hit areas of the province and promised to rebuild communities.

Australia’s government has pledged AUS$1 million Aus ($592,000) of humanitarian aid.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Australia is ready to respond to additional requests for assistance from the Indonesian government.

Agencies/Canadajournal