Indonesia: Disruptions ongoing and death toll continues to rise following magnitude-5.6 earthquake in western West Java Province Nov. 21 /update 3

Event

Recovery and response efforts are ongoing as of Nov. 22 following a magnitude-5.6 earthquake that struck West Java Province at around 13:21 Nov. 21. The epicenter of the earthquake was located about 18 km (11 miles) west of Ciranjang-hilir. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and relatively strong shaking occurred near the epicenter in Cianjur, Bogor, and Sukabumi regencies. Moderate-to-light shaking also struck parts of Greater Jakarta, Bekasi City, Bogor City, and Garut Regency. As of late Nov. 22, authorities have reported more than 268 fatalities associated with the quake. A further 151 people have been reported missing and more than 1,000 have been injured. Many of the casualties have been caused by buildings collapsing due to the initial earthquake, aftershocks, and landslides triggered by the tremors. At least 145 aftershocks have been recorded by officials and dozens of landslides have been reported. The aftershocks and landslides have hampered recovery efforts. A number of roads have been blocked by debris, including the main highway linking Cianjur Regency to Bogor Regency, hindering the access of emergency services to some affected areas.

Reports indicate around 22,000 homes have been damaged and more than 58,000 people have been displaced by the earthquake, with areas of Cianjur Regency near the epicenter the worst affected. Power outages have also been reported in affected areas. Rescue efforts are ongoing and police authorities have deployed more than 1,000 officers to assist in the recovery. The death toll is likely to rise further as response efforts and damage assessments continue.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Vacate multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to the risk of landslides.