Indonesian rescuers search for survivors as quake death toll rises to 38
Dozens of houses and other buildings were damaged when the 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Flores Island in Indonesia’s east, leaving people trapped.
Indonesian rescuers are searching for survivors after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Flores Island on Saturday, killing at least 38 people, according to disaster official Suharyanto. Thirteen people were injured, two of them seriously. Officials say victims are trapped in several buildings, with rescue teams targeting these structures first.
Two helicopters and a plane are being prepared for rescue operations. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen offered assistance from Copernicus Earth observation satellites. About 2,000 people have evacuated the island. Yulian Juita Ekalia described the quake as the strongest she's ever experienced, likening it to being on a trampoline. Landslides have cut off roads, complicating rescue efforts.
A tsunami warning was initially issued but later lifted. Authorities urge residents not to return to damaged buildings due to aftershocks.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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