Cianjur hit by quake that engulfed hundreds of fatalities

A shallow earthquake measuring 5.6 has struck Indonesia's main island of Java, knocking down thousands of homes killing at least 162 people and injuring hundreds more.

Seismograph and Earthquake Source: iStockphoto

The National Disaster Management Agency said more than 2,200 homes had been damaged and more than 5,300 people displaced, a much lower figure than that given by Kamil.

The number of casualties is expected to rise further.

About 175,000 people live in the city of Cianjur, which lies in the mountains with a population of more than 2.5 million people.

Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 3 pm.

Follow us on Facebook and catch us up on podcasts.