A powerful magnitude-5.6 earthquake struck Indonesia's West Java Province on Monday, claiming at least 272 lives and leaving survivors scrambling for help. The quake, described by locals as 'unimaginably destructive,' flattened homes and schools, with recovery efforts racing against time.
📢 CGTN Stringer reports from the epicenter reveal desperate pleas from residents. 'Everything collapsed in seconds,' said one survivor. A teacher recounted: 'Life has turned upside down—classrooms are gone, and children are traumatized.'
💡 Authorities warn the death toll could rise as rescue teams dig through rubble. Vital infrastructure, including roads and hospitals, has been severely damaged, complicating aid delivery. Villagers now camp outdoors, fearing aftershocks.
🌐 Global aid groups are mobilizing support, but access remains a challenge. Indonesia's disaster-prone geography—part of the Pacific 'Ring of Fire'—makes it vulnerable to seismic activity. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for disaster-ready infrastructure.
