Indonesia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 47; Hundreds of Buildings Damaged
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The death toll from a powerful earthquake off the coast of Indonesia's Flores Island has risen to 47, according to the national disaster agency.
- Over 150 houses, 97 schools, and 18 health facilities sustained severe damage following the magnitude 7.7 quake.
- Air force is delivering 275 tons of aid to the affected region, located in a geologically active zone known as the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The number of fatalities following a strong earthquake near Indonesia's Flores Island has climbed to 47, as reported by the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The agency initially reported 37 deaths after the quake struck on Saturday.
Beyond the tragic loss of life, the magnitude 7.7 earthquake caused significant destruction. More than 150 homes were severely damaged, and the impact extended to critical infrastructure, with 97 schools and 18 health facilities also suffering damage. In response, the air force has begun delivering 275 tons of aid to the affected areas.
The death toll has risen to 47.
The earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers. Its epicenter was located offshore, roughly 70 kilometers northwest of the town of Ende in the province of East Nusa Tenggara. Indonesia, an archipelago nation comprising over 17,000 islands, is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region characterized by intense geological activity, making it prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
More than 150 houses were severely damaged.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.