Thousands evacuate after Indonesia quake kills 51, cuts roads

A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia, resulting in at least 51 deaths and the evacuation of approximately 5,000 people, authorities reported on Sunday. Thirty-six individuals suffered severe injuries, while 77 sustained minor injuries during the Saturday morning quake. The disaster caused significant damage, blocking major roads and triggering numerous landslides.

Over 3,300 residents of the Sikka region either evacuated on their own or sought refuge in a sports arena. Some residents were stranded on makeshift tents made of tarp, while others received medical treatment in a tent outside a hospital in the port town of Maumere. Abdul Mutas, a 63-year-old resident, recounted his harrowing experience, stating that he and his family slept on a tarp surrounded by trees after the rising tide prompted their escape.

More than 3,500 military and police officers were dispatched to the affected region to assist in rescue efforts. At least 47 people were confirmed dead, and over 1,300 homes were damaged, with the total number of missing persons yet to be determined. Twenty petrol stations were also left non-operational due to power outages. The East Nusa Tenggara government is considering declaring a state of emergency to mobilize resources and funding for recovery efforts.

The region has been previously affected by a magnitude-7.5 earthquake in 1992, which led to extensive destruction. As Indonesia sits near the "Pacific Ring of Fire," a seismically active zone where tectonic plates converge, such earthquakes are a frequent occurrence.