An earthquake in Indonesia claimed at least 54 lives
At least 54 people have died as a result of a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near the Indonesian island of Flores. More than 100 people were injured, and about 12,800 residents are unable to return to their homes, according to Deutsche Welle.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter of the earthquake, which occurred on Saturday, was located in the sea near Flores at a depth of 10 kilometers. Following the main quake, nearly 1,600 smaller aftershocks were recorded, including a 5.6-magnitude tremor on Monday morning.
Initially, tsunami warnings were issued for parts of the provinces of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi. Residents were urged to stay away from beaches and riverbanks, but the warnings were later lifted.
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Approximately 500 homes were damaged, and landslides blocked roads. Local residents told AFP that many homes were destroyed or cracked, so people are spending the night in makeshift tents. Affected residents also complained to Reuters about poor conditions in the temporary shelters, where some children have come down with diarrhea.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency reported that the country’s Air Force was preparing to deliver 13 metric tons of emergency aid to the area. Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus stated that the military also plans to set up a field hospital; neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons are needed to treat the victims.
The earthquake overshadowed Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations. It is the deadliest disaster in the country since 2022, when an earthquake in West Java claimed hundreds of lives.
