Rescuers search for survivors of powerful Indonesia earthquake

Rescue teams in Indonesia are actively searching for survivors following a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the island of Flores on Saturday. The quake, which occurred shortly before 05:00 local time, had a depth of 15km and left at least 47 people dead. Preliminary reports indicate that over 900 homes and numerous other buildings were severely damaged, with 341 aftershocks reported by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

However, the full extent of the disaster remains uncertain. The earthquake's tremors were felt as far west as Bima Regency and City, and the Manggarai province has been among the most affected, with 24 fatalities recorded there. East Manggarai province reported 17 deaths, while Ngada, Ende, and West Manggarai provinces recorded three deaths each, and at least one death in each of Sikka, Ngada, Ende, and West Manggarai provinces. At least two people were seriously injured, and 11 suffered minor injuries.

Over 5,000 people have sought shelter in evacuation centers, and 10,500 aid packages have been distributed to affected areas. The BNPB prioritizes meeting basic needs and providing logistics for evacuees. The mountainous terrain and remote location of the affected regions make assessing the full destruction challenging. Early reports suggest that more than 150 houses were severely damaged, along with several educational institutions, healthcare facilities, places of worship, offices, and public facilities.

In Maumere, the largest town in Flores, large chunks of concrete broke off the terminal building, falling onto passengers waiting for an inter-island ferry, some of whom were thrown into the sea when a gangway collapsed.

Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena of East Nusa Tenggara province stated that some individuals were killed in their sleep by collapsing rubble, while others were jolted awake from their beds. Many residents have fled to the hills due to receding sea levels. Initially, a tsunami warning was issued, leading to the evacuation of around 2,000 people, but it was later lifted as no significant sea level rise was detected.

Landslides, however, blocked access to some villages. Rescue teams worked diligently throughout the day to free those trapped under the rubble, and temporary medical tents were set up in Ruteng to treat earthquake victims. Authorities advise people to remain calm, avoid coastal areas, and stay away from damaged structures. Indonesia, situated along the meeting point of three major tectonic plates, is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.