Flores: Rescue operations continued across Indonesia’s Flores island on Sunday after a powerful earthquake left at least 47 people dead and more than 100 injured. Emergency teams are searching collapsed structures and areas buried by landslides for people who may still be trapped.
The earthquake struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday, triggering landslides across several districts and forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes. Authorities said the disaster has affected six regencies on Flores, with rescue workers facing difficult terrain, damaged roads and disruptions to electricity and communications.
Deaths reported across several districts
According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, 24 people were killed in Manggarai regency and another 17 died in neighbouring East Manggarai. Additional fatalities were reported in Sikka, Ngada and Ende.
Rescue teams have been concentrating their efforts in areas where residents are feared to have been buried beneath debris or landslides.
The United States Geological Survey said the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 and occurred about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province. The quake originated at a depth of roughly 10 kilometres offshore and was felt across a wide area.
Thousands forced into temporary shelters
The earthquake caused extensive damage to homes and public infrastructure. More than 900 houses were destroyed, while nearly 450 others were damaged, according to disaster authorities.
Around 5,000 people have been moved to temporary shelters, while many others chose to remain outdoors because of fears that aftershocks could cause further collapses.
At least 167 public buildings and facilities, including schools, medical centres and churches, have also suffered damage.
Landslides cut off villages
One of the biggest obstacles facing rescuers has been the network of landslides triggered by the earthquake. Several sections of the Trans-Flores Highway were blocked, disrupting access between communities across the mountainous island.
Emergency crews have been clearing debris to reconnect isolated villages. However, power failures and communication problems continue to complicate rescue and relief operations.
Authorities have begun distributing essential supplies, including rice, ready-to-eat food, drinking water, blankets and medicines. Temporary shelters are also being established for residents whose homes were destroyed or deemed unsafe.
Search operations continue
Rescue teams resumed operations in parts of Manggarai, East Manggarai and Nagekeo that had remained difficult to access after the earthquake.
Teams are examining collapsed houses and other damaged structures while continuing to search locations where landslides may have buried people.
Officials said roads to several previously isolated villages have been reopened, but restoration of communications and electricity remains a priority.
Labuan Bajo also affected
The earthquake was felt in Labuan Bajo, the popular tourist gateway to Komodo National Park. The town and surrounding areas experienced the effects of the strong shaking, while landslides affected road connectivity.
Residents in several communities continued sleeping outside their homes because of concerns over aftershocks.
The earthquake has once again highlighted Indonesia’s vulnerability to major seismic events. The country sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet, making earthquakes and volcanic activity frequent.
Flores itself has suffered devastating earthquakes and tsunamis in the past. A major earthquake and tsunami in 1992 killed around 2,500 people on the island, while other major disasters elsewhere in Indonesia have caused thousands of deaths.
With rescue teams still working through unstable terrain, authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the destruction while searching for people who may remain trapped.
