A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia early Saturday has killed at least 54 people and injured more than 100 others, while about 12,800 residents have been displaced from their homes.
The earthquake struck near the northern coast of Flores Island, particularly affecting communities in Nagekeo. Thousands of survivors have been sheltering in schools, police stations, government buildings and makeshift tents after their homes were damaged or destroyed.
More than 1,600 aftershocks have been recorded, leaving residents afraid to return home. Disaster authorities said at least 914 houses were severely damaged, while numerous schools, health facilities and government offices were also affected.
Residents in Mbay, one of the communities closest to the epicentre, said they had been struggling to access food, clean water, medicine and shelter.
One resident, Junaidin, said many houses were no longer safe to occupy because of cracks and collapses. He appealed to the government to urgently provide assistance to affected communities.
The Indonesian Air Force has begun delivering emergency supplies, including food, clothing, clean water and medical equipment, using two Hercules aircraft and a Boeing aircraft. Helicopters are also being deployed to reach isolated communities.
Rescue teams continue to search affected areas, although authorities said there have been no reports of missing persons so far.
The earthquake has also disrupted the lives of thousands of children. Save the Children said more than 8,000 children face safety risks and interruptions to their education.
Indonesia is frequently affected by earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for intense seismic activity.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia early Saturday has killed at least 54 people and injured more than 100 others, while about 12,800 residents have been displaced from their homes.
The earthquake struck near the northern coast of Flores Island, particularly affecting communities in Nagekeo. Thousands of survivors have been sheltering in schools, police stations, government buildings and makeshift tents after their homes were damaged or destroyed.
More than 1,600 aftershocks have been recorded, leaving residents afraid to return home. Disaster authorities said at least 914 houses were severely damaged, while numerous schools, health facilities and government offices were also affected.
Residents in Mbay, one of the communities closest to the epicentre, said they had been struggling to access food, clean water, medicine and shelter.
The Indonesian Air Force has begun delivering emergency supplies, including food, clothing, clean water and medical equipment. Helicopters are also being deployed to reach isolated communities.
Rescue teams continue to search affected areas, although authorities said there have been no reports of missing persons so far.
Save the Children said more than 8,000 children face safety risks and disruptions to their education following the disaster.
Indonesia is frequently affected by earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for intense seismic activity.
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