Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Nov 22: Rescuers are still searching for victims buried beneath the wreckage a day after a 5.6-magnitude earthquake rocked a West Java town in Indonesia. More than 700 people have been hurt, and 162 people have died as a result of the several-second quake. Authorities have warned that the death toll could increase.
The weather and geophysics agency (BMKG) reported that the earthquake on Monday struck Cianjur, which is located about 75 kilometres southeast of Jakarta, at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), adding that there was no threat of a tsunami.
The shallow 5.6-magnitude earthquake’s epicentre was located on land near Cianjur in a mountainous region of Indonesia’s most populous province. Buildings crumbled as a result of the tremor on Monday afternoon, sending terrified inhabitants running onto the streets.
Overnight, casualties poured into the parking lot of a hospital in Cianjur, where some were treated in makeshift tents and others were hooked up to intravenous drips on the ground as doctors and nurses stitched up patients by the light of torches.
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Several foreign leaders have expressed sorrow over the loss of life, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and India’s Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar.
“I am shocked by the devastating scenes in Indonesia today. Just last week, I experienced first-hand the warmth, generosity, and kindness of the Indonesian people. My thoughts are with them now. The UK stands with you Jokowi and all Indonesians at this difficult time,” he said.
EAM S Jaishankar also on Monday condoled the loss of lives in a powerful earthquake that struck Java in Indonesia.
“Saddened to hear news about the loss of life and property in Java, Indonesia from the earthquake. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wish the injured a speedy recovery. India stands in solidarity with Indonesia at this difficult time,” he tweeted.
