Thousands of individuals in Flores, Indonesia, were still in need of assistance on Monday following a deadly earthquake that claimed a minimum of 68 lives, left over 200 injured, and caused extensive destruction to numerous residences and structures. Many residents in East Nusa Tenggara province’s Flores island were mourning the loss of victims while awaiting aid in isolated communities that were severely impacted by the quake.
The aftermath of the earthquake showed significant devastation, including collapsed buildings, shattered homes, and blocked roads due to fallen trees and boulders. Rasyid Jafar, a clothing trader in the hardest-hit area of Reo, described his house as mere rubble, emphasizing the urgent requirement for food, medicine, and clean water.
President Prabowo Subianto urged prayers for the affected individuals during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebration in Jakarta. The earthquake, which struck East Nusa Tenggara province with a depth of 10 kilometers early Saturday, led to the damage of over 4,500 homes, displacement of 19,000 people into temporary shelters, and injuries to 213 individuals. The disaster also impacted 122 health facilities, 252 schools, and 84 places of worship.
Authorities reported 1,576 aftershocks as of Monday, with around 50 of them being felt by residents. The province’s governor declared a 14-day state of emergency on Sunday to address the situation.
Across Flores, thousands of people were forced to camp outside damaged homes under tarpaulin tents, wary of potential aftershocks. The region showcased extensive devastation, with obstacles like fallen trees and boulders hindering rescue efforts and aid distribution. Military and police personnel, alongside aircraft, were deployed to provide 275 tonnes of aid to the affected areas, addressing logistical challenges that delayed assistance delivery.
Emergency field hospitals were established in Ruteng to cater to earthquake victims, as local hospitals had sustained damage. Despite ongoing search efforts for potential victims, no missing individuals have been reported by residents. Aid workers successfully reached Palue Island, near the earthquake’s epicenter, after encountering challenging conditions on their journey through landslide-affected terrain.
Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is susceptible to seismic activities and volcanic eruptions due to its geographical positioning. The recent earthquake in Flores serves as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters.