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Rescuers Search for Survivors as Indonesian Quake Death Toll Rises to 47
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Disasters & Emergencies

Rescuers Search for Survivors as Indonesian Quake Death Toll Rises to 47

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Ongoing story
  • A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's Flores island, killing at least 47 people and injuring 50.
  • Rescuers are searching for survivors amid the rubble of damaged buildings, with nearly 160 houses and several facilities affected.
  • Landslides have complicated rescue efforts, and authorities issued and later lifted a tsunami warning.

Rescuers are desperately searching for survivors in the rubble of buildings destroyed by a powerful earthquake that struck off Indonesia's eastern Flores island. The 7.7-magnitude tremor, which hit early Saturday, has claimed at least 47 lives and left 50 people injured, according to disaster officials.

I have never felt an earthquake this big. It felt like we were on a trampoline; it was really scary.

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

The national disaster management agency (BNPB) confirmed the rising death toll, with officials like Suharyanto, head of the BNPB, indicating that people are trapped in collapsed structures. These sites are the primary focus for disaster response teams. The earthquake damaged nearly 160 houses, along with dozens of educational and health facilities and other public buildings.

International aid is being prepared, with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies organizing support for approximately 2,000 people in temporary shelters. The Indonesian government has dispatched 50,000 aid packages, totaling 275 tonnes. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen offered the use of the bloc's Copernicus Earth observation satellites to aid search and rescue operations.

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

— SuharyantoHead of the BNPB, referring to buildings where people are trapped.

Survivors described the terrifying experience. Yulian Juita Ekalia, a university lecturer from Ruteng city, recounted feeling like they were on a trampoline. "I have never felt an earthquake this big," she said, describing how household items fell around her as she rushed outside with her son and neighbors. Rescue efforts are hampered by landslides that have blocked roads, and many residents are without electricity and telecommunications. An earlier tsunami warning prompted residents in some areas to flee to higher ground, though the warning has since been lifted.

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 LeyenEU chief offering satellite support.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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