At least 47 individuals lost their lives following a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake and numerous aftershocks that hit eastern Indonesia over the weekend, as stated by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). Roughly 2,000 people sought refuge in safer locations as a result of the disaster.
Rescue operations have been impeded from reaching Nagekeo, the area nearest to the earthquake’s epicenter, due to road closures caused by landslides and communication disruptions, according to officials.
Although a tsunami warning was issued, it was later lifted three hours after the earthquake struck.
Nona, a 51-year-old resident of Talibura, described the quake as massive and the ensuing shock as extremely intense. She recounted how she and 12 others had to flee their home to ensure their safety.
In the town of Maumere, rescuers discovered 20 deceased individuals, six injured, and two individuals trapped under debris. Suharyanto, the head of BNPB, mentioned that residents are still trapped in various buildings, with reports of landslides obstructing roads in the affected areas.
Efforts to reach Nagekeo have been hindered by landslides, impacting communication signals in the region. Approximately 2,000 residents were evacuated from Nagekeo, with reports of damage to multiple structures including houses, warehouses, and government facilities.
The governor of East Nusa Tenggara Province, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, confirmed at least five fatalities resulting from collapsing structures during the earthquake. Initial data from BNPB indicated significant damage to residential properties, schools, health facilities, places of worship, and other infrastructure.
Videos circulating on social media captured the chaos as parts of buildings crumbled, causing panic among residents. Siti Sulfia Bira, a local resident, mentioned that she and her family sought higher ground when the tremors began, expressing concern about potential aftershocks.
The earthquake’s impact was felt across various regions, with residents reporting sustained shaking for nearly a minute. Indonesia, situated along the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” is prone to seismic activities due to the convergence of tectonic plates, leading to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.