By Riyaz ul Khaliq, Sumeyye Dilara Dincer and Zehra Nur Duz

ISTANBUL/ANKARA (AA) :The death toll from an earthquake in Indonesia climbed to 162, with majority of them children, the nation’s disaster agency said on Monday.

Over 700 people were also injured in the magnitude 5.6 earthquake, a statement by the agency quoted West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil as saying.

West Java Governor, Ridwan Kamil, said, “The majority of those who died were children,” He added that many were public school students who had finished their regular classes and were taking extra lessons at Islamic schools.

Most people were crushed under collapsed buildings, according to the country’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

Indonesia’s bureau of meteorology, the BMKG, warned of a danger of landslides, particularly in the event of heavy rain.

The strong earthquake hit the Cianjur regency of West Java at 1.21 pm (0621GMT.)

In the capital Jakarta to the north, high-rise buildings swayed and some were evacuated.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage in the capital, but people rushed from building

Many people were injured because they were hit by collapsed buildings, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

Local media are also reporting that the earthquake has displaced over 13,000 people.

It was felt in the capital Jakarta and other regions, including Rancaekek, South Tangerang and Depok, according to the Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency.

Earlier, officials at the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure said the death toll was likely to rise.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry released a statement on Monday to express “deep sorrow” over the tremble.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives as well as to the friendly and brotherly people and the Government of Indonesia, and wish speedy recovery to the injured,” the ministry said.

Additional report by The Muslim News

[Photo: Earthquake victims receive treatment in an emergency tent established after hospital becomes full capacity at the Sayang Regional General Hospital after an 5.6 magnitude earthquake hits Cianjur Regency, West Java, Indonesia on November 22, 2022. Photojournalist :Dasril Roszandi/AA]