FOUR DEAD IN 7.6 WESTERN PAPUA QUAKE

Dozens injured, rescue teams on the way

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, January 5, 2009) – Eyewitnesses in Papua speak of collapsed buildings in earthquake that killed four.

Eyewitnesses in the Indonesia province of Papua have spoken of mass panic and collapsing buildings after a series of powerful earthquakes.

At least four people have been killed and dozens injured

The strongest tremor, with a magnitude of 7.6, struck north of the city of Manokwari.

It was followed by another big quake and a string of aftershocks.

A tsunami alert was issued by Indonesian authorities following the earthquakes, but withdrawn within an hour.

Assessment teams and medical supplies are expected to begin arriving shortly.