Rescuers are working to reach thousands of evacuees on Indonesia's Flores Island following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has killed 51 people, injured 132, and damaged hundreds of buildings. The tremor struck the island on Saturday at 5:58 a.m. local time and was followed by at least 341 aftershocks, according to the national disaster agency.
Thousands of residents fled their homes after the quake. By Sunday, at least five helicopters, several planes, a naval vessel, and search and rescue ships were en route to assist in relief efforts. Survivors are in urgent need of emergency tents, food, medicines, blankets, camp beds, mats, clean water, and electricity generators.
The earthquake's shallow epicenter was located just off the north coast of Flores Island. Authorities reported that at least 914 houses were severely damaged, with hundreds more sustaining lesser damage. Dozens of public facilities, including 93 educational and 36 health facilities, as well as 38 government offices, were also affected.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is preparing to deliver aid to thousands in temporary shelters. The Indonesian government has dispatched 50,000 aid packages, totaling 275 tonnes, to the affected region. The European Union has offered assistance, including the use of its Copernicus Earth observation satellites to support search and rescue operations.
In Ruteng, a town approximately 124 miles from the most heavily impacted areas, heavy machinery was observed clearing rubble from streets. The local hospital's building sustained significant damage, prompting the evacuation of patients to tents erected outside. A woman successfully underwent an emergency Cesarean section in a converted storage room that served as a temporary operating theater.
Local officials are urging vigilance and preparedness due to the ongoing aftershocks, emphasizing that it is impossible to predict when they will cease. Following the initial earthquake, residents reported the sea receding and urged people to move to higher ground, fearing a tsunami. Although a tsunami warning was later lifted, authorities advised against returning to damaged structures due to the risk of collapse from aftershocks. Waves of up to 1.6 meters were recorded in some coastal areas.
Indonesia is situated in the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' a region prone to frequent seismic activity, which contributes to its susceptibility to earthquakes.
Some residents are experiencing disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services, with at least one emergency access road remaining impassable. Those displaced are appealing for essential supplies such as food, drink, medicine, and diapers. Many have been staying on hilltops for days, afraid to return to their damaged homes, with some expressing lingering trauma from past earthquakes.