Search for Indonesia quake victims underway on Independence Day

Search efforts for victims of a deadly earthquake in eastern Indonesia are underway on the country's Independence Day. At least 53 people were killed in the disaster that struck the province of East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday. The official death toll remains at 53 as of late Sunday, with nearly 1,600 aftershocks recorded in the province.

Thousands have been evacuated and are now living in tents outdoors, fearing aftershocks and returning to their homes. A 64-year-old farmer, Firmus Woge, was being treated for his aggravated asthma due to the panic caused by ongoing aftershocks. Rescuers plan to use aerial monitoring and a helicopter to search for any missing individuals, according to Fathur Rahman, chief at the rescue office in Maumere.

No challenges are anticipated in the search, and the Indonesian disaster mitigation agency has prepared to deliver aid such as food and tents. The quake damaged around 500 homes and an emergency field hospital is being built in several areas to treat head trauma and broken bones. President Prabowo Subianto, in Jakarta, will preside over Independence Day celebrations on Monday, while residents in the disaster zone are more focused on ensuring the safety of their families.