‘Like a miracle’: 84-year-old woman pulled alive from rubble three days after Indonesian quake

An 84-year-old woman has been discovered alive in the rubble of her home three days after a powerful earthquake struck eastern Indonesia. The 7.7-magnitude quake hit off Flores island on Saturday, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. At least 73 people were killed, over 900 injured, and nearly 60,000 displaced by the disaster.

A landslide triggered by the quake blocked access to Nitunglea village, where the elderly woman lived, leading to her being buried under the collapsed bamboo walls of her home for three days. She was finally found on Tuesday and safely evacuated to a nearby health centre for treatment. Local officials confirmed that she showed no signs of injury and was merely weak due to lack of food and water.

Shops and services have begun to reopen on the island, but debris continues to obstruct streets and rescue efforts persist for possible victims. Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency has sent 398 tons of aid, including food, tents, and shelters, to the affected communities. However, the distribution process has been hampered by the mountainous terrain and damaged roads in the region.

The government has deployed military aircraft, ships, and personnel to bolster emergency operations in remote areas. Over 3,000 aftershocks have been recorded since the quake, with 86 of them strong enough to be felt. The tremors have forced many residents to remain in their damaged homes due to fear. Regional police chief inspector general Rudi Darmoko highlighted the mental health issues faced by displaced communities, particularly children, who require attention beyond physical injuries.

Indonesia is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a zone known for intense seismic and volcanic activity. In 2004, a 9.1-magnitude earthquake off Sumatra's coast triggered a tsunami that killed around 220,000 people, including 170,000 in Indonesia.