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Indonesia earthquake kills at least 47, damages hundreds of homes
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Disasters & Emergencies

Indonesia earthquake kills at least 47, damages hundreds of homes

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's eastern Flores island, killing at least 47 people and injuring 50.
  • The quake damaged nearly 160 houses and numerous public facilities, with rescue efforts focused on people trapped in collapsed buildings.
  • International aid is being prepared, and residents were urged to stay away from damaged structures due to aftershocks and the risk of tsunamis.

Rescuers are sifting through debris for survivors following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck off Indonesia's eastern Flores island on Saturday, killing at least 47 people and injuring 50, according to disaster officials.

These will be the initial targets of the disaster response teams.

— SuharyantoThe head of the national disaster management agency (BNPB) described the priority for rescue efforts.

The national disaster management agency (BNPB) reported that the quake damaged nearly 160 houses, dozens of educational and health facilities, and other public buildings. Rescue efforts are prioritizing individuals trapped in collapsed structures. "These will be the initial targets of the disaster response teams," said Suharyanto, head of the BNPB.

International support is mobilizing, with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies preparing aid for approximately 2,000 people in temporary shelters. The government has dispatched 50,000 aid packages, totaling 275 tons, to the affected region. The European Union has also offered assistance, with chief Ursula von der Leyen stating, "Europe stands ready to deploy Copernicus, our eyes in the sky, to support search and rescue efforts."

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

— Ursula von der LeyenThe European Union chief offered assistance via satellite technology.

Residents described the terrifying experience. Yulian Juita Ekalia, a university lecturer, recounted, "I have never felt an earthquake this big. It felt like we were on a trampoline; it was really scary." She described household items falling around her as she rushed outside with her son and neighbors.

I have never felt an earthquake this big.

— Yulian Juita EkaliaA resident described the intensity of the earthquake.

Rescue operations face complications from landslides that have blocked roads, and many residents are without electricity and telecommunications. In areas near the epicenter, residents fled to higher ground as the sea receded, a potential sign of an approaching tsunami. Although a tsunami warning was later lifted, authorities cautioned against returning to damaged buildings due to the risk of aftershocks, which have continued to shake the island.

It felt like we were on a trampoline; it was really scary.

— Yulian Juita EkaliaA resident described the physical sensation of the earthquake.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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