Edition 27: Earthquake in West Java Kills Hundreds
Earthquake in West Java Kills Hundreds
Source: DW
On Monday, November 21st 2022, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Western Java killing hundreds. The death toll currently stands at 321 as the disaster mitigation agency continues search and rescue efforts across the regions impacted.
The earthquake had damaged more than 62,000 houses and displaced 73,000 residents who now live at temporary camps. It is reported that those who are in these camps lack access to proper medical attention, resulting in some further deaths and diseases.
The aftershocks of the quake were felt as far as Jakarta and Tangerang, but the damage mainly centered around the West Java city of Cianjur. Houses were destroyed due to the quake and government aid and rescue efforts are complicated due to aftershocks, landslides, and heavy rain.
Rescuers utilized earth diggers and other large machines to clear mud and debris as they searched for survivors while scores remained unaccounted for. Only helicopters could get to some of the places shut off by landslides.
Logistics efforts have been hindered by some civilians who have denied access to several impacted regions, including blocking ambulances and forcing them to turn back.
Video also emerged of a civil organization (ormas) tearing down a donation label from a church, which was handled with a light warning from the police after the video went viral on the internet.
Many highlighted poor urban planning and lack of disaster preparedness by civilians as a key factor in the high death toll. Many analysts have also shed light on the government’s disaster mitigation efforts, which focuses more on stopgap responses rather than preventative measures.
Despite such criticisms, the government has committed to support rebuilding efforts in the region, with guaranteed renovations to houses and facilities affected. The government has also begun intensifying the mobilization of several needed supplies such as water, food, and medicine.
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