Indonesia earthquake death toll rises to 51, 5,000 displaced

At least 51 people have died and around 5,000 have been displaced following a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake occurred at 5:58 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located about 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende on Flores Island in the East Nusa Tenggara province. The quake struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.

Officials reported 36 serious injuries and 77 minor injuries. Indonesia's disaster management agency (BNPB) stated that over 3,300 people in Sikka Regency, one of the hardest-hit areas, have been displaced. Many remain stranded as roads are blocked by debris. Some residents are sheltering in sports stadiums, while others have set up tarpaulins outside their damaged homes.

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36 people were seriously injured, while 77 others sustained minor injuries.

Rescue and relief efforts are being hampered by the region's challenging geography, which comprises numerous small islands. Landslides have blocked roads and disrupted communication services, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach all affected areas, particularly in Nagekeo Regency, which is closest to the earthquake's epicenter. Three helicopters and a rescue vessel have been deployed, and over 3,500 soldiers and police personnel are assisting in the operations.

The earthquake also caused significant property damage, with at least 157 houses destroyed and approximately 200 others damaged, according to BNPB chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto. A tsunami warning was issued immediately after the earthquake but was later lifted. However, authorities have advised residents in some northern island areas to move to higher ground due to the possibility of continued aftershocks.

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at least 157 houses were destroyed, and around 200 others were damaged.