Fear grips children after deadly earthquake in eastern Indonesia leaves thousands displaced

Indonesia's Flores island continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that left at least 68 people dead, over 200 injured, and thousands homeless. The disaster struck early Saturday, causing widespread destruction and prompting authorities to record more than 2,100 aftershocks since Tuesday, though only 70 were felt by residents.

The National Disaster Management Agency reported that more than 19,000 survivors sought refuge in tents, evacuation centers, and makeshift camps, as the earthquake damaged at least 4,500 homes, 122 health facilities, 252 schools, and 84 places of worship.

Children, in particular, have been struggling with fear and trauma in the wake of the disaster. Vincentius Rano, a resident of Lamba Leda, one of the hardest-hit villages, recounted the terrifying moment the earthquake struck as he and his wife awoke. "Suddenly, we felt a tremor that kept getting stronger," he said, describing how their house partially collapsed, injuring him and his daughter.

Despite the aftershock that occurred during an interview, Rano and his wife instinctively ducked and covered their heads, a reminder of the lingering fear that continues to haunt many survivors.