At least 47 dead in eastern Indonesia after magnitude 7.7 quake

At least 47 people have died after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake and numerous aftershocks struck off eastern Indonesia on Saturday. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) confirmed the death toll, with rescue teams facing significant challenges in reaching the area closest to the epicenter.

Rescue operations in Nagekeo, the region most affected by the quake, have been severely hindered by landslides blocking roads and disrupting communication networks. Officials reported that attempts to reach the area by road were thwarted, while another team was trying to access it by ferry. Approximately 2,000 residents in Nagekeo have evacuated their homes.

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The quake was massive, the shock was so strong.

In the port town of Maumere, rescuers found 20 dead and six injured, with two people still trapped under rubble. Maumere, the main town in Sikka Regency on Flores Island, experienced significant damage. Preliminary data from the BNPB indicates that 157 homes were heavily damaged, 41 moderately, and 148 lightly. Additionally, 87 schools, 18 health facilities, five places of worship, and six office buildings sustained damage, along with other infrastructure.

Tsunami waves of less than 1 meter were recorded in several areas following the early-morning quake, though a tsunami warning was lifted about three hours later. Residents in affected areas reported strong shaking lasting about a minute, with many fleeing their homes. A hospital in Ende district moved patients outside due to safety concerns. The ongoing tremors have left many residents hesitant to return to their damaged homes, fearing further aftershocks.

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At the moment we don’t dare to go home just yet because the situation isn’t stable, we still worry that there might be more tremors coming.