Thousands await aid after deadly Indonesian earthquake

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake has devastated Indonesia's island of Flores, leaving at least 48 people dead, dozens injured, and hundreds of homes and buildings damaged. The quake struck early yesterday, followed by 341 aftershocks, prompting approximately 5,000 residents to flee their homes.

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We need food, drink, medicines, and diapers for the children.

Survivors are facing dire conditions, with many left without electricity and telecommunications. Access to some areas remains difficult due to damaged roads. Residents like Umri from Nangahale village expressed urgent needs for food, water, and medicine. "We need food, drink, medicines, and diapers for the children," she said, having taken shelter on a hilltop with others fearing to return to their damaged homes.

Nurhidayati, another resident, shared her ongoing terror and trauma, recalling the devastating 1992 earthquake that struck Flores, killing around 2,500 people. "I'm still terrified; my heart is pounding hard remembering yesterday's tremor... I don't dare to go home," she stated, appealing for swift government assistance with essential supplies.

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I'm still terrified; my heart is pounding hard remembering yesterday's tremor... I don't dare to go home.

Berton Suar Pelita Panjaitan, a spokesman for the national disaster agency, reported that at least 101 people were injured and significant material losses have disrupted daily life. The agency is coordinating the distribution of 50,000 aid packages. The East Nusa Tenggara provincial government is preparing to declare a 14-day emergency response status. Search and rescue teams are actively combing the affected areas, though no individuals are reported missing or buried at this time.

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In addition to the loss of life, the offshore earthquake caused material losses that have paralysed residents' daily activities.