Nearly 13,000 displaced by deadly Indonesian quake
MBAY, Indonesia - Thousands of people displaced by a powerful earthquake in eastern Indonesia awaited much-needed aid on Monday as they camped out at schools, police stations and government offices, with many stuck outside.
Nearly 13,000 individuals have been displaced by a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia, with 53 fatalities and over 100 injuries reported. Rescuers continue to search for missing persons, though no missing person reports have been confirmed. The earthquake has left many homes in ruins, and displaced residents are sleeping in makeshift tents near schools, police stations, and government offices.
Junaidin, a 32-year-old resident of Mbay, expressed frustration with the slow arrival of aid, particularly as the nation celebrated Indonesia's Independence Day. The Indonesian Air Force has airlifted 13 tons of emergency supplies, including food, clothes, and medical equipment, and helicopters have been deployed to reach isolated communities.
At least 914 houses were severely damaged, and hundreds more suffered lesser damage. Over 8,000 children are at risk due to the earthquake, disrupting their education and safety.
Written by urgent.news from Bangkok Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.