Indonesia quake: Rescuers keep search for victims on, world leaders express grief over 162 lives lost

A day after a 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia and devastated a West Java town, rescue workers continued to look for people trapped in the rubble.

The quake that lasted several seconds has claimed the lives of 162 people so far and injured more than 700 people. Officials have said that the death toll may rise.

Monday’s quake struck on land in Cianjur, about 75 km southeast of the capital Jakarta, and at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), the weather and geophysics agency (BMKG) said, adding there was no potential for a tsunami.

The epicentre of the shallow 5.6-magnitude quake hit on land close to the town of Cianjur in a mountainous area of Indonesia’s most populous province. The tremor on Monday afternoon prompted panicked residents to flee onto the streets as buildings collapsed.

Overnight, a hospital parking lot in Cianjur was inundated with victims, some treated in makeshift tents, others hooked up to intravenous drips on the pavement, while medical workers stitched up patients under the light of torches.

“Everything collapsed beneath me and I was crushed beneath this child,” Cucu, a 48-year-old resident, told Reuters, from the crowded hospital parking area.

“Two of my kids survived, I dug them up … Two others I brought here, and one is still missing,” she said through tears.

WORLD LEADERS CONDOLE DEATHS
Several world leaders, including British Prime minister Rishi Sunak and India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar, have expressed grief over the loss of lives.

Recalling his stay in Indonesia, he said, “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.”

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar 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,” Jaishankar said on Twitter. “My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Wish the injured a speedy recovery. India stands in solidarity with Indonesia at this difficult time.”