An 84-year-old paralysed woman was found alive three days after Flores earthquake

SIKKA, Indonesia — An 84-year-old paralysed woman survived for three days after being trapped under rubble following a powerful earthquake that struck off Indonesia’s Flores island, as the death toll climbed to 73 and nearly 60,000 people were left homeless, according to the National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB). The magnitude-7.7 quake occurred on 15 August, destroying her home on a small island north of Flores.

Paulina Pobi's family, believing she had already been rescued, only discovered her on 18 August, stating that she was in good health and did not have any injuries. The continuous aftershocks, totaling over 3,000 since the 15 August quake, have caused many residents to be too fearful to return to their damaged homes. More than 900 people sustained injuries and aid, including food, water, and medicine, has been delivered to the affected areas.

Indonesia is prone to earthquakes due to its location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region known for intense seismic and volcanic activity.