Indonesia earthquake survivors 'still on alert' as rescue efforts continue after dozens killed

Rescue operations are underway in eastern Indonesia after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Flores island early Saturday, claiming at least 47 lives and leaving people trapped in damaged structures. The tremor, which hit just before 5 a.m. local time, caused widespread damage to houses, hospitals, clinics, and places of worship in the East Nusa Tenggara province. Lieutenant General Suharyanto, head of the National Disaster Management Agency, stated that locating individuals trapped in buildings is the primary focus for disaster response teams. Two helicopters and a plane have been mobilized to support the rescue efforts. In Sikka, one of the most affected areas, authorities are providing temporary shelters and urging residents to avoid compromised buildings. Local officials emphasized the urgent need to repair damaged facilities, including the hospital, to resume essential services. Residents described moments of panic and confusion following the quake, with one witness reporting parts of a limestone hill breaking off near Labuan Bajo, a popular tourist destination. Concerns about aftershocks and the need for real-time updates from the geophysics agency were also voiced by locals and tourists alike. Approximately 16 hours after the initial quake, a second strong tremor was recorded on Sumatra island in western Indonesia, though no immediate damage or casualties were reported there.

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