An earthquake on the Indonesian island of Flores claimed the lives of 48 people
At least 48 people were killed and another 101 were injured on the Indonesian island of Flores as a result of a 7.7-magnitude earthquake. About 5,000 residents fled their homes, and on Sunday, aid began to reach those who had been evacuated, France 24 reports, citing AFP and Indonesian authorities.
The earthquake struck early Saturday morning. According to Burton Suar Pelita Panjaitan, a spokesperson for Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), at least 341 aftershocks were recorded in the hours that followed. The epicenter of the shallow earthquake was located near the island’s northern coast.
In some of the affected areas, people were left without electricity and telecommunications. At least one road used by emergency services remained impassable. Residents evacuated to higher ground told AFP they needed food, drinking water, medicine, and diapers.
According to BNPB estimates, at least 914 homes sustained serious damage, with hundreds more suffering minor damage. Dozens of public facilities were also affected, including 93 educational institutions, 36 medical facilities, and 38 government offices.
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BNPB Head Suharyanto stated that at least five helicopters, several airplanes, a naval vessel, and search-and-rescue ships were dispatched to assist the victims. The government has sent 50,000 aid kits weighing a total of 275 metric tons to the region. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported that it is preparing aid for people in temporary shelters.
In Ruthenz, a city about 200 kilometers from the hardest-hit areas, heavy machinery was clearing debris from the streets. The local hospital building sustained significant damage, so patients were evacuated to tents. One woman underwent an emergency C-section in an undamaged warehouse that had been converted into a temporary operating room; both the mother and child are safe.
After the earthquake, residents of coastal areas fled to the hills as the sea receded from the shore. The tsunami warning was later lifted, although waves up to 1.6 meters high were recorded in some coastal areas. Authorities urged people not to return to damaged buildings due to the risk of aftershocks.
