Rescuers dig through rubble and landslides after Indonesia quake kills 47

Search teams in eastern Indonesia combed through collapsed buildings and landslide debris on Sunday in search of victims and potential survivors following a powerful earthquake that claimed at least 47 lives, injured over 100, and displaced thousands. The magnitude 7.7 quake struck 68 kilometers (42 miles) north-northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province, triggering landslides across six regencies on the predominantly Catholic island of Flores.

Initial death tolls were highest in Manggarai and East Manggarai, with 24 and 17 fatalities respectively, while additional deaths were reported in Sikka, Ngada, and Ende regencies. The US Geological Survey (USGS) stated that the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) off the coast of Flores.

Rescue operations were hampered by widespread destruction, with more than 900 homes destroyed and nearly 450 damaged. The disaster agency estimated that around 5,000 people sought refuge in temporary shelters, while thousands more spent the night outdoors due to fears of aftershocks. Over 167 public facilities, including schools, health centers, and churches, suffered damage.

Relief efforts included the distribution of rice, ready-to-eat meals, drinking water, blankets, and medicine. Emergency shelters were established for displaced residents, and authorities worked to restore electricity and communication services, as well as deliver aid to remote villages isolated by landslides. Rescue teams intensified their efforts in inaccessible areas, particularly in Manggarai, East Manggarai, and Nagekeo regencies.