{
  "id": 10716588,
  "title": "Indonesian quake survivors struggle to find water, shelter",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/indonesian-quake-survivors-struggle-to-find-water-shelter",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T15:15:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2026/09/1544191/indonesian-quake-survivors-struggle-find-water-shelter"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indonesian earthquake survivors continue to face challenges six weeks after the disaster, as they struggle to find water, shelter, and rebuild their lives. The powerful 7.7-magnitude quake struck near Flores island on August 15, resulting in the deaths of 151 people and causing damage to tens of thousands of homes. Aftershocks have been frequent, reaching 15,000 in total, and residents have been left traumatized and unsure when they can return to their homes.\n\nSahria Lelu, a 38-year-old resident, explained that their trauma prevents them from returning home, and she emphasized the lack of clean water. Although the government guarantees food and volunteers to help with basic needs, the situation remains difficult. Methildus Nestor Langga, a 40-year-old teacher from neighboring Palue island, has had to collect water using bamboo poles to tap into geothermal steam, as storage tanks were destroyed by the quake.\n\nOver 46,000 houses were damaged, and nearly 28,000 people remain displaced. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency aims to provide 314 temporary housing units by late November, while over 2,400 permanent units are planned to replace the heavily damaged structures. However, the recovery process remains a distant reality for many survivors, as they continue to face hardships like finding buyers for their woven fabric and struggling to afford their children's education.",
  "summary": "SAHRIA Lelu and her family were still living in a tent outside a mosque six weeks after a powerful earthquake that killed dozens in Indonesia, demonstrating the hard road home for thousands of survivors.",
  "key_points": [
    "Six weeks after 7.7-magnitude quake, survivors still lack water and shelter",
    "Over 46,000 houses damaged, 28,000 people displaced",
    "314 temporary and 2,400 permanent housing units planned for recovery"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}