Disaster in Indonesia: Earthquake kills hundreds

Shortly after midday on Monday, November 21, 2022, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Cinajur region of West Java province in Indonesia.

According to The Guardian, the quake hit at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles) which caused landslides and buildings, such as homes and schools full of children in class, to collapse.

At this time, the death toll is unclear. However, the local government shared an Instagram post on Tuesday, November 22, saying that 252 people were confirmed dead thus far.

It also stated that 377 individuals were injured, 31 were missing, and 7,060 were displaced due to the natural disaster. Authorities assume that these numbers will continue to rise in the days to come.

The Indonesia National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) told the media that fallen buildings crushed most of those killed.

The governor of West Java, Ridwan Kamil, told the press, “The majority of those who died were children,” as reported by CNN.

Mr Kamil added, “So many incidents occurred at several Islamic schools.” According to provisional data from Save the Children, approximately 51 schools were affected, of which 30 were primary schools.

According to BNPB, around 25 people were still trapped under the rubble in Cianjur as night arrived on Monday, November 21.

Rescue efforts to locate those trapped were complicated by aftershocks, road damage, and lack of electricity.

The Guardian reported that the Indonesian Red Cross send nurses to the hardest hit and most difficult to reach areas by motorbike to help those in need.

Early on November 22, hundreds of police were sent to help with rescue efforts.

Dedi Prasetyo, the national police spokesperson, spoke to Antara state new agency and explained the plan: "Today's main task order for personnel is to focus on evacuating victims."

The area of Cugenang was the main focus of officials on November 22, as it was unreachable due to a landslide.

Thousands of homes are destroyed, and according to CNN, the local governmental authorities are preparing shelters and tents for those who are now homeless and providing for their basic needs.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo visited the areas affected by the earthquake on the morning of November 22.

Widodo promised that the government would help homeowners to rebuild by providing $3,200 in compensation for each family.

Indonesia sits on what is known as the “Ring of Fire,” an circular are near the Pacific Ocean that sets off frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. It is one of the most seismically active zones on the planet.