Earthquake hits Indonesia's Java, killing at least 46 people
NBCMAR 10 2023
On Monday, the Indonesian island of Java was hit by a 5.6 magnitude earthquake that killed at least 271 people and injured at least 1,000. At least 40 people are still missing as rescuers try to reach people trapped under rubble.
The earthquake was centered in the Cianjur area in West Java and struck at a depth of 6.2 miles. It did not create a tsunami.
The earthquake damaged 22,000 houses, in addition to a boarding school, a hospital, and government buildings. Approximately 58,000 people were displaced, according to Indonesian officials.
With its vulnerable position in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is no stranger to catastrophic seismic events. It's vital to build on indigenous knowledge and local strength in Indonesian communities to develop plans and more resilient earthquake infrastructure. There are valuable lessons learned from past experiences that can help this vulnerable nation better withstand earthquakes over time.
Indonesia has much work to do in the arena of building codes and earthquake safety. Failing masonry and lax regulations are part of the problem, as is the sheer level of risk in the Ring of Fire. Earthquake-resistant construction is a complex effort needing great attention—deadly events like these are a wake-up call for the government to step up.