The death toll from a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia’s Flores region has risen to 51, with rescue teams continuing to search through rubble and landslides for survivors.
The earthquake struck eastern Indonesia at a depth of around 10 kilometres at 5:58 am local time on Saturday, according to the US Geological Survey. At least 235 aftershocks were recorded, while tsunami warnings issued after the quake were later lifted.
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Rescuers are focusing on several areas across Flores where landslides and damaged roads have hampered access. Authorities said 101 people were injured, while more than 900 homes were destroyed and another 450 damaged. Around 5,000 people have been forced into temporary shelters.
Landslides have blocked sections of the Trans-Flores Highway, making it difficult to reach remote communities. Power outages and disrupted communications are also complicating rescue and relief operations.
Relief workers are distributing food, drinking water, blankets and medicines, while emergency shelters are being established for displaced residents.
Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Flores has experienced major disasters before, including the 1992 earthquake and tsunami that killed around 2,500 people.
