Thousands evacuated as Indonesia quake death toll rises to 53

A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia's Flores island, killing at least 53 people, according to CBC News. The quake, which hit on August 15, also caused widespread damage, blocking roads and triggering landslides. Thousands of people were evacuated, with around 5,000 fleeing their homes.

The earthquake's epicentre was located off the north coast of Flores, and it was followed by nearly 1,000 aftershocks of varying intensities, as reported by Malay Mail. Many areas were left without electricity and telecommunications, and at least one emergency access road remained inaccessible. Residents, such as Umri and Bertolomeus Tiga, described the dire situation, with many people in need of food, medicine, and shelter.

The death toll was reported differently by various outlets: 53 (CBC News and Malay Mail), 51 (Hindustan Times), and 47 (Mothership). According to Mothership, 50 people were injured, while Hindustan Times reported 101 injured and Malay Mail mentioned dozens injured. Around 160 houses, dozens of schools, and other public buildings were damaged, and over 900 homes were destroyed or damaged, displacing thousands of people.

Brief written by urgent.news from CBC News, Malay Mail, Mothership, Hindustan Times - World News — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.