I want to assure you that the evacuation operation proceeds well. As we understand that 39 people remain missing only in this area here. Their evacuation will be the priority
Cianjur, West Java (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) made assurance that the ongoing disaster response operation following the 5.6-magnitude earthquake in Cianjur District, West Java, Monday (November 21), was proceeding smoothly.

"I want to assure you that the evacuation operation proceeds well. As we understand that 39 people remain missing only in this area here. Their evacuation will be the priority," the president told ANTARA in the Cugenang region here, Thursday.

The president's visit to Cianjur after the quake was in close heels to his visit on Tuesday (November 22).

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Apart from the rescue operation, the president ensured that the distribution of logistics assistance to the affected areas was also going smoothly.

"Foods, medicines, electricity, and other aspects (are available), and issues on the lack of tents (has also been addressed). There are also complaints about water distribution, but because there are many points, we need time to reach all," the president stated.

Jokowi then reminded officers involved in the rescue operation to be mindful of their safety due to the unstable and steep ground in addition to factors, such as rains and aftershocks.

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The head of state also reminded officials of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing to assist in efforts to prevent more landslides in the affected areas.

Earlier, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) stated that the death toll in the earthquake has risen to 271 after the verification of data on victims recorded at hospitals and health centers on Wednesday (November 23).

According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BKMG), the 5.6-magnitude earthquake jolted the southwestern part of Cianjur District, West Java, at 1:21 p.m. local time (UTC +7) on Monday. The earthquake, whose epicenter was located 10 km underground, southwest of Cianjur, had no potential to trigger a tsunami.


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Translator: Devi Nindy Sari R, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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