Indonesia Declares 14-Day Emergency After Deadly 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake

Indonesia has declared a 14-day emergency response period following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that devastated eastern Flores Island on Saturday. The tremor has claimed at least 47 lives, according to state media reports on Sunday.

The East Nusa Tenggara provincial government issued a decree to facilitate crucial search and rescue efforts, evacuations, and the distribution of relief supplies through August 28. Search teams continued their operations on Sunday, working to locate survivors and assess the full extent of the damage across the affected areas.

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The measure is intended to facilitate search and rescue operations, evacuations, relief distribution and recovery efforts in areas affected by the earthquake.

The earthquake inflicted significant damage, destroying 914 houses and impacting 93 educational facilities, 36 health centers, and 38 government buildings. State-owned energy company Pertamina reported that 32 fuel stations were operational, while 20 remained closed due to damage. Several distribution outlets were also temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure.

In response, the Indonesian government has dispatched 27 tons of essential supplies to the earthquake-stricken regions. President Prabowo Subianto urged government agencies to coordinate closely for a rapid and targeted response, instructing officials to conduct direct assessments at disaster sites. The immediate priorities remain rescue operations, assisting displaced residents, and restoring vital services.

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President Prabowo Subianto urged government agencies and other sectors to coordinate closely to ensure a rapid and targeted response. He also instructed officials to conduct direct assessments at disaster sites.