Death toll continues to rise as earthquake in Indonesia kills 268

More than 260 people are dead and hundreds are injured after an earthquake toppled buildings on Indonesia’s densely populated main island.

The 5.6-magnitude earthquake rocked Indonesia’s West Java province and disaster management officials in Cianjur regency say dozens of people have been killed.

West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil says the number of confirmed dead has risen to 268, including many children. He says that more than 13,000 people whose homes were heavily damaged were taken to evacuation centers.

Residents fled into the street as the earthquake raged, some covered in blood and debris.

“The majority who died were hit by buildings. Some were hit on the head,” Head of the Cianjur regency, Herman Suherman said. “All you can hear here is ambulance sirens everywhere.”

Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau tweeted out his condolences.

My heart goes out to everyone affected by the devastating earthquake in Indonesia. I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost someone they loved, and I’m thinking of all those whose lives have been changed forever. Canada stands ready to help in any way we can.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 21, 2022

The quake was reportedly felt in the neighboring cities of Sukabumi and Bandung. Residents in the capital, Jakarta, about 100 kilometers northwest of Cianjur, also felt significant shaking when the quake struck, and some buildings were evacuated.

Officials continue to work to gather and confirm the toll of those injured and killed by the quake in the remote area.