A 5.6-magnitude earthquake in West Java has so far killed 44 people and hundreds of houses have been damaged, local authorities reported on Monday.

Jakarta.- According to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the quake, whose epicenter was located 10 kilometers underground southwest of Cianjur, was felt in other regions such as Jakarta, Bekasi, and Bogor, Antara news agency reported.

A spokesman for the Cianjur administration told local media that the death toll is expected to increase due to the considerable damage in the region.

The BMKG agency warned residents in areas near the epicenter of the quake to remain vigilant about aftershocks.

"We call on people to stay out of buildings for now, as there could be possible aftershocks," BMKG Director Dwikorita Karnawati said.

In the capital, Jakarta, where people fled buildings, there are no reports of casualties or major damage. (PL)