Indonesia: 5.6 magnitude earthquake leaves scores dead and many injured
No less than 60 people have been confirmed dead by Indonesian authorities and about 700 others injured as a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s main Island of Java on Monday, November 21.
How did it happen?
According to the United States Geological Survey, the 5.6 magnitude earthquake was centered in the Cianjur region in West Java Province at a depth of 10 kilometers. The agency however added that there was no potential for a tsunami.
The impact of the earthquake was also felt in Jakarta, the nation’s capital, about 75 kilometers away from Cianjur and other surrounding areas.
Indonesia’s Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) stated on Monday evening that about 62 persons have so far died, and about 25 more people were still believed to be stuck under the rubbles of collapsed buildings, adding that rescuers are still trying to reach survivors trapped under the rubble.
Governor of West Java, Ridwan Kamil also confirmed that the death toll has risen to about 162 people.
What are the damages done?
According to local media, an estimated 13,000 people has been displaced as a result of the earthquake, and a number of buildings were brought to the ground in Cianjur and Jakarta. BNPB chief, Suharyanto revealed that the damaged buildings included an Islamic boarding school, a hospital, and another public facility, stating that the extent of casualties and damage was still being collected.
What you should know
Earthquake is a common occurrence in Indonesia due to their archipelago nature, making it vulnerable because of its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where tectonic plates meet.
Earlier in February, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake also killed about 25 people and injured over 460 in West Sumatra province. About a year before that in 2021, a similar 6.2 magnitude earthquake led to the death of more than 100 people injuring nearly 6500 people in West Sulawesi province.
