Businesses, including grocery stores and gas stations, have reopened on Indonesia's Flores island, four days after a powerful earthquake killed at least 70 people, injured nearly 1,200 others and damaged thousands of homes.
More than 40,000 people remain in temporary shelters, tents and evacuation centers as search efforts continue in the rubble for potential victims. The earthquake, which struck early Saturday, caused widespread destruction across the island in East Nusa Tenggara province, affecting at least 11,925 homes, 182 health facilities, 653 schools, 184 government offices and 173 places of worship, according to the National Disaster Management Agency.
Local governments in seven affected regencies have resumed operations to expedite post-disaster recovery and administrative services. While immediate food and water needs have been met, residents expressed the necessity of reopened commercial services for daily life.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) off Flores, a remote island known for its seismic activity. Tsunami warnings were issued following the quake but were later lifted. Authorities registered over 2,100 aftershocks through Tuesday, though only 70 were felt by residents.
Indonesia, an archipelago comprising over 17,000 islands, is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Flores experienced a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 1992 that resulted in approximately 2,500 fatalities.