Indonesian rescuers search for survivors as 7.7 quake death toll rises to 38
Rescuers combed through debris for survivors after a powerful earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island on Saturday, killing at least 38 people, according to a disaster official. Suharyanto, head of Indonesia’s national disaster mitigation agency, said 13 people were injured, two of them seriously. “Victims are trapped in several buildings,” said Suharyanto, who like many Indonesians uses…
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's Flores Island on Saturday, resulting in at least 38 deaths and 13 injuries, according to disaster officials. The head of Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency, Suharyanto, stated that victims have been trapped in several buildings, making them the initial targets for rescue teams.
The European Union's Copernicus Earth observation satellites have been offered for assistance in the search and rescue efforts. Over 2,000 people have evacuated their homes, with Ruteng city more than 60 miles from the epicenter reporting a 37-year-old university lecturer describing the shaking as if they were on a trampoline. Rescue efforts have faced challenges due to landslides blocking roads, and aftershocks have continued, the strongest reaching a magnitude of 6.1.
Hundreds remained outside by lunchtime, fearing aftershocks might collapse damaged buildings. The epicenter of the quake was located just off the north coast of the island, with the area largely rural and not prone to high-rise buildings. President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan has expressed condolences and offered assistance.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
