A magnitude-5.6 earthquake rocked Indonesia's West Java Province on Monday, killing at least 272 people and leaving survivors in shock as rescue teams race against time to locate missing individuals. Local authorities confirmed the death toll on November 23, with thousands displaced and critical infrastructure damaged.
CGTN Stringer reports from affected villages reveal harrowing accounts of loss. \"Life changed 180 degrees after the earthquake,\" said a local teacher, whose school collapsed. Residents described urgent needs for food, medical supplies, and shelter, with many sleeping outdoors amid aftershocks.
The disaster highlights Indonesia's vulnerability to seismic activity due to its position on the Pacific \"Ring of Fire.\" International aid organizations are mobilizing support, while social media campaigns like #PrayForWestJava trend globally, amplifying calls for disaster relief.
As rescue efforts continue, critics question preparedness measures in rural regions. The incident underscores the need for tech-driven early-warning systems and cross-border collaboration in disaster response—a key concern for climate-vulnerable nations worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
