Indonesia Earthquake Survivors Await Evacuation as Aid Reaches Remote Flores Communities
A powerful earthquake on Flores Island has killed at least 68 people, injured over 200, and displaced thousands, with aid efforts ongoing.
Survivors of a powerful earthquake in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province are still waiting for evacuation and aid, days after the disaster struck Flores Island. In North Lamba Leda, emergency workers were seen bringing people on stretchers to a makeshift assistance center, where they await medical evacuation.
The Saturday morning quake has killed at least 68 people and injured more than 200 others. It has also damaged thousands of homes, with buildings collapsing onto parked cars and roads blocked by trees and boulders. The National Disaster Management Agency reports that more than 4,500 homes were damaged, forcing some 19,000 people into temporary shelters.
The disaster has also impacted critical infrastructure, damaging 122 health facilities, 252 schools, and 84 places of worship. In response, the province's governor declared a 14-day state of emergency on Sunday.
Military teams are working to deliver food, clean water, and clothing to inaccessible communities by plane. Meanwhile, many residents spent Tuesday mourning the victims. During Monday's Independence Day ceremony in Jakarta, President Prabowo Subianto led a nationwide moment of silence and asked participants to pray for those affected by the disasters.
The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) shortly before 6 a.m. Saturday, triggered tsunami warnings that were later lifted. Authorities have recorded 1,576 aftershocks into Monday, though only 54 were felt by residents.