Rescuers search for survivors of powerful Indonesia earthquake

Rescue teams in Indonesia have been actively searching for survivors following a devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the island of Flores on Saturday, leaving at least 47 people dead. The epicenter of the quake occurred shortly before 05:00 local time, with a depth of 15km, according to Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency.

Preliminary reports indicate that hundreds of buildings have been severely damaged, alongside dozens of aftershocks. However, the complete scale of the disaster remains uncertain. The region is known as the "Ring of Fire" due to its high seismic activity.

Reports suggest that tremors from the powerful earthquake were felt as far west as Bima Regency and City. The Manggarai province appears to be the most affected, with 24 fatalities recorded. In East Manggarai province, 17 deaths were reported, with additional fatalities in Sikka, Ngada, Ende, and West Manggarai provinces. At least two others sustained serious injuries, while 11 people reported minor injuries.

Aid efforts have been initiated, with ten thousand relief packages reaching the affected areas. However, the mountainous terrain and remote location of the region pose challenges to the full evaluation of the destruction. Early assessments indicate that over 150 houses were severely damaged, along with numerous educational institutions, healthcare facilities, places of worship, offices, and other public facilities.

One notable incident occurred at the port in Maumere, the largest town on Flores, where large chunks of concrete broke off the terminal building, posing a threat to passengers on an inter-island ferry. Some individuals were thrown into the sea when the gangway to a ship collapsed. Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena of East Nusa Tenggara province shared distressing accounts of people killed in their sleep by collapsing rubble, while others were abruptly awakened by the shaking.

Some residents, like Arnold Welianto from Talibura, a village near the coastline in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, reported being shaken out of their beds. He also mentioned that many people had already fled to the hills due to the receding sea. Initially, a tsunami warning was issued, prompting around 2,000 people to evacuate. However, the warning was lifted after no significant sea level rise was detected. Landslides, though, blocked access to some villages.

Rescue teams worked throughout the day to free individuals trapped under the rubble. In Ruteng, a temporary medical tent was set up outside a hospital to treat earthquake victims. Authorities have advised people to remain calm and avoid coastal areas and damaged structures. Indonesia, situated along the meeting point of three major tectonic plates, is accustomed to earthquakes and volcanic activity.