At least 47 dead in eastern Indonesian earthquake

At least 47 people have died following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck off the coast of Indonesia's eastern Flores region early Saturday morning. The United States Geological Survey reported the epicenter was in waters north of the island, approximately 1,000 miles east of the capital, Jakarta.

While the epicenter was offshore, the earthquake caused damage to nearby communities on Flores Island, part of the East Nusa Tenggara province. Hundreds of buildings were damaged by the main quake and subsequent aftershocks, which worsened the impact on residents. The national disaster management agency (BNPB) confirmed the death toll rose throughout the day, and it is expected to increase as rescue officials search through rubble.

More than 50 people were injured, and many remain trapped in collapsed buildings. The USGS estimates that at least 1.5 million people experienced strong to severe shaking. In one affected village, at least 16 bodies were recovered from a landslide.

The BNPB also reported damage to nearly 160 houses, dozens of educational and health facilities, and other public buildings. In response, the Indonesian government dispatched 50,000 aid packages, totaling 275 tonnes, to the area. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is preparing to bring aid to approximately 2,000 people in temporary shelters.

Meanwhile, European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen announced that the bloc is utilizing its Copernicus Earth observation satellites to assist in mapping operations in Indonesia.

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Our satellite system Copernicus is already supporting mapping operations.