At Least 162 Killed in Indonesia Earthquake, Mostly School Kids

Liputan6.com, Cianjur - Earthquake in Cianjur, West Java Province, killed at least 162 people in Indonesia. The figure increased significantly from the earlier reporting in which 20 people died. 

Governor of West Java, Ridwan Kamil, said most of the victims who lost their lives were students, including students of Islamic boarding school (pesantren).

"The majority of deaths was children because the incident happened when kids were studying," said Governor Ridwan Kamil on Monday (22/11).

One of the victims was a two-year-old child. Governor Ridwan still opens the possibility that the victims will increase.

According to the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the earthquake happened around 01:21 PM on Monday. The center of the earthquake was in Cianjur Regency.

The earthquake was felt across Greater Jakarta area, although there was no reported damage. Cianjur Regency is located around 100 kilometers from Jakarta.

Until Monday night, Governor Ridwan Kamil said there were 325 people injured and 13,784 people evacuated. 

"The majority of victims suffered from broken bones and bruises after being struck by building materials," said Governor Ridwan.

So far, there are 2,345 buildings which are reportedly damaged. Various schools are also damaged, including Islamic boarding school, vocational high school, elementary school, middle school, and high school.

Moreover, Ridwan Kamil noted there are landslide spots in Cugenang area. The national road that connected Cianjur and Bogor was also cut off by the landslide.

Per Monday night, BMKG office in Bandung said there had been 62 aftershocks. The strongest was M4.2 while the weakest was M.15.

Governor Ridwan Kamil asked the public to remain alert. He also already coordinated the teams from the military, police, and disaster countermeasure agency to help providing data.

The police from other West Java regions also sent their help. Police in Tasikmalaya, another West Java region, sent 100 tents and hundreds of blankets for the victims. They also sent packages of food. Police in Garut also sent hundreds of food packages.

Furthermore, Governor Ridwan wants the medical units to reach everyone.

"At minimum, there must be no citizen who does not receive medical treatments," said Governor Ridwan.

The Speaker of Parliament, Puan Maharani, has sent condolences on behalf of the parliament. She hopes the victims will be treated in a speedy manner. 

"Immediately build emergency hospitals, and increase the assistance from medical workers to help the earthquake victims in Cianjur. Prioritize the public safety. The injured victims must be treated immediately as there are more than a few children who become victims," said Puan in her statement.