Indonesia was hit by a magnitude 5.6 earthquake that left terrible aftermath in Java, the main island of the archipelagic country. A number of 268 people have lost their lives because of the earthquake, while 151 are still missing, and over 1,000 were injured, according to the BBC.
Rescuers are trying to help people in the area affected by the jolt as they’re looking for survivors trapped under the rubble. Unfortunately, there’s still a lot to say regarding the terrifying numbers representing the aftermath of the Indonesian earthquake. According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, tens of thousands of houses were damaged by the jolt, while over 58,000 people had to relocate.
Cucu, a resident, explained her horrifying experience of surviving after being crushed while she was placed beneath a child. She stated for Reuters, as the BBC quotes:
Two of my kids survived, I dug them up … Two others I brought here, and one is still missing.
Hesti, her relative, stated, as the same source quotes:
Many bodies are lying in the hospital grounds, it’s very crowded.
The earthquake also led to landslides burying villages that were close to the West Java town of Cianjur.
Not even schools could be missed by the wrath of nature, as dozens of them were also left damaged by the earthquake.
A spokesperson stated, as the BBC also quotes:
Children are terrified and we need to get food, water and shelter to them and ensure they’re not at risk of separation from parents and caregivers.
Henri Alfiandi, the chief of the National Search and Rescue Agency, explained as France24 quotes:
We are maximizing operations at several points where it is suspected that there are still casualties. Our team is also trying to reach remote areas,
For us, all victims are a priority, our goal is to find them and save lives by getting them evacuated as soon as possible and get medical help.
Earthquakes frequently occur in Indonesia, as the Asian country is placed in the Pacific’s ‘ring of fire’ area of tectonic activity.
