Thousands await aid after deadly Indonesian quake kills 53
Help started arriving on Sunday for thousands of evacuees on Indonesia’s Flores island after a powerful earthquake killed 53 people, injured dozens and damaged hundreds of houses and buildings. Some 5,000 people fled their homes as the 7.7-magnitude quake hit the island early Saturday, followed by at least 341 aftershocks in the hours that followed, a spokesman for the BNPB national disaster…
A major earthquake struck Indonesia's Flores island on Saturday, resulting in 53 deaths, dozens of injuries, and extensive damage to homes and buildings. The 7.7-magnitude quake was followed by at least 341 aftershocks in the hours that ensued. Approximately 5,000 residents were forced to evacuate their homes as power and communication lines were disrupted in several areas.
Local resident Umri expressed the dire need for food, water, medicines, and diapers. The epicenter of the shallow quake was located off the island's north coast, and no reports of buried or missing individuals were made. BNPB head Suharyanto confirmed that several helicopters, planes, naval vessels, and rescue ships were en route to provide assistance.
At least five helicopters, several planes, a naval vessel, and search and rescue ships were heading to the area. The government had sent 50,000 aid packages weighing 275 tonnes to the region, and the European Union offered to deploy Copernicus Earth observation satellites for search and rescue efforts.
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