On November 21, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s densely populated Java island, leaving an unprecedented death toll that seismologists expect to continue rising.

In just six days, the death toll from the earthquake quickly rose to 321, with 24 people not being accounted for; Explained by the fact that Indonesia sits in The Ring of Fire, a highly volcanic area, this did not seem to shock many experts. The country’s proximity to these fault lines makes it more susceptible to earthquakes.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred 6.2 miles below the surface of the earth, leading to the widespread damage in Java; The earthquake waves were still strong enough to produce enough energy to be felt enormously above ground. Even though the earthquake was only of moderate strength, over 56,000 homes and many buildings were damaged.

In efforts to help the citizens, Indonesian President Joko Widodo vowed to rebuild every damaged home.

“The houses affected by this earthquake are required to use earthquake-resistant building standards by the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing,” Widodo said. “These earthquakes happen every 20 years. So the houses should be earthquake-resistant.”

A few students from Great Neck North expressed their sympathies for those affected by this natural disaster.

“Many have lost their loved ones, homes, and neighborhoods. About 1.5 million people have been affected,” sophomore Ashley Dong said.

“A lot of kids are homeless and need psychological support to help them deal with recent traumatic events,” sophomore Joyce Fu said.

“I am concerned for the safety of children and the vulnerable in places hit by the earthquake,” sophomore Michael Leung said.

Members of the community and people across the world have been following the earthquake and hope that the areas affected will recover quickly.