Indonesia Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 73 as Rescue Efforts Continue
Indonesia's 7.7-magnitude earthquake death toll has risen to 73, with 931 injured, as rescue teams deploy helicopters to remote areas.
The death toll from the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province last Saturday has risen to 73, according to the country's National Search and Rescue Agency. As of 18:00 Jakarta time on Wednesday, at least 931 people have been reported injured.
Rescue and search operations remain active, with helicopters being deployed to isolated regions to transport medical personnel and evacuate residents in need of urgent treatment. The aerial support is critical in reaching communities cut off by damaged roads and landslides.
The earthquake's epicenter was located near Mbay in the Nagekeo regency. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity in the area while providing medical assistance and recovery support to affected communities.
In Maumere Town on Flores Island, emergency responders have been clearing rubble from heavily damaged buildings, including the Laurentius Say Maumere Port. Temporary shelters have been set up for survivors, and medical teams are working in tents to care for the injured. Rescuers have also been seen carrying patients onto helicopters and ambulances for evacuation to better-equipped medical facilities.