Rescuers continue operations after a powerful 7.7-magnitude quake struck eastern Indonesia, with thousands displaced and aftershocks hampering relief efforts.
ENDE, Indonesia — Web Desk: Rescue teams continued searching collapsed buildings in eastern Indonesia on Monday as authorities worked to locate victims and deliver aid following a powerful earthquake that struck the region over the weekend.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province early Saturday, causing deaths, injuries, structural damage and landslides across several areas. Reuters reported that the death toll had reached at least 68 by late Monday, with more than 200 people injured.
The disaster cast a sombre shadow over Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations on August 17, as thousands of residents remained displaced and many people stayed outdoors because of fears of further tremors.
Nearly 1,600 aftershocks reported
Authorities said the affected region experienced nearly 1,600 aftershocks, complicating rescue and relief operations. Landslides also blocked roads in parts of East Nusa Tenggara, including Sikka and Manggarai, making access to some communities difficult.
Officials have been preparing helicopter operations to search areas that remain difficult to reach by road. Emergency response teams are also working to assess damage and provide food, water and medical assistance to affected communities.
Thousands displaced after earthquake
Thousands of residents have been evacuated from damaged areas, with many sheltering in tents, schools and other temporary locations.
The Associated Press reported that the earthquake damaged more than 1,300 homes and displaced thousands of people, while damaged infrastructure and landslides created additional challenges for aid deliveries.
Residents in some affected villages have reported shortages of basic necessities, including clean water, food and medical care. Authorities are continuing efforts to reach isolated communities and establish emergency medical facilities.
Independence Day celebrations overshadowed
Indonesia marked its 81st Independence Day on Monday, but celebrations were overshadowed by the earthquake disaster.
President Prabowo Subianto led a nationwide moment of silence to honour those killed in the earthquake, while government agencies continued deploying personnel and supplies to affected areas.
Rescue and relief operations remain underway as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and continue searching areas affected by the earthquake and subsequent landslides.
The disaster is among Indonesia’s most serious earthquakes in recent years and has renewed concerns about the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity because of its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
