Indonesia earthquake death toll rises; EU offers satellite aid

Rescue teams are scrambling to find survivors amidst the rubble following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the waters near Indonesia's Flores Island on Saturday. At least 38 people have died, with 13 others injured, two of them seriously, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

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Some victims are still trapped in buildings. Two helicopters and a plane are being prepared to assist in the rescue operations.

"Some victims are still trapped in buildings. Two helicopters and a plane are being prepared to assist in the rescue operations," said BNPB official Suharyanto. The earthquake damaged dozens of houses and other buildings on the island, a popular tourist destination in eastern Indonesia. Approximately 2,000 residents have been evacuated.

Adding to the international response, European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen offered assistance via the bloc's Earth observation satellite, Copernicus. "Europe stands ready to deploy Copernicus, our eyes in the sky, to support search and rescue efforts. Indonesia, we are with you," she wrote on X.

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Europe stands ready to deploy Copernicus, our eyes in the sky, to support search and rescue efforts. Indonesia, we are with you.

Residents described the terrifying experience. "I have never felt an earthquake this big. It felt like we were on a trampoline, it was very scary," said Yulian Juita Ekalia, a lecturer in Ruteng. "When I rushed out, everything inside the house fell, including the television, my child's trophies, the plate rack, and suitcases on the cupboard. When I got out, my child and the neighbors were already outside screaming in fear."

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I have never felt an earthquake this big. It felt like we were on a trampoline, it was very scary. When I rushed out, everything inside the house fell, including the television, my child's trophies, the plate rack, and suitcases on the cupboard. When I got out, my child and the neighbors were already outside screaming in fear.