A 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Flores Island in Indonesia has resulted in a rising death toll. The ongoing aftershocks have left many displaced residents in severe distress.
As of August 17, local time, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the earthquake, which occurred on August 15 off the northern coast of Flores Island in the eastern Sunda Islands, has claimed 54 lives and injured 135 people.
More than 1,300 homes have been affected, including approximately 900 that were severely damaged, displacing around 12,800 individuals across various villages.
Residents are experiencing heightened anxiety due to continuous aftershocks. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 5.7 magnitude aftershock occurring at 8:46 a.m. on August 17, about 42 kilometers offshore from Ende, the central area of Flores Island.
According to authorities, there have been a total of 995 aftershocks since the initial quake. Many residents are spending nights outdoors, relying on temporary shelters, local soccer fields, and tarpaulin tents due to the risk of further building collapses.
The Indonesian government declared a 14-day state of emergency on August 16, mobilizing over 3,500 military and police personnel and deploying aircraft to deliver 275 tons of relief supplies. However, many areas remain isolated due to landslides and blocked roads, hindering aid efforts.
Flores Island, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, is home to approximately 2 million residents. The island was previously struck by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in 1992, which resulted in around 2,500 fatalities.
As of August 17, local time, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the earthquake, which occurred on August 15 off the northern coast of Flores Island in the eastern Sunda Islands, has claimed 54 lives and injured 135 people.
More than 1,300 homes have been affected, including approximately 900 that were severely damaged, displacing around 12,800 individuals across various villages.
Residents are experiencing heightened anxiety due to continuous aftershocks. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 5.7 magnitude aftershock occurring at 8:46 a.m. on August 17, about 42 kilometers offshore from Ende, the central area of Flores Island.
According to authorities, there have been a total of 995 aftershocks since the initial quake. Many residents are spending nights outdoors, relying on temporary shelters, local soccer fields, and tarpaulin tents due to the risk of further building collapses.
The Indonesian government declared a 14-day state of emergency on August 16, mobilizing over 3,500 military and police personnel and deploying aircraft to deliver 275 tons of relief supplies. However, many areas remain isolated due to landslides and blocked roads, hindering aid efforts.
Flores Island, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, is home to approximately 2 million residents. The island was previously struck by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in 1992, which resulted in around 2,500 fatalities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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