- 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia's Flores Island, leading to chaos and destruction.
- Melania Nius, 56, was at her husband's hospital bedside when the quake hit, and she prayed as she fought to get her family to safety.
- During the quake, the bed nearly flipped over and objects scattered everywhere, causing panic.
- The family escaped by pushing the husband’s bed outside once the shaking eased.
- The earthquake killed at least 48 people and injured dozens.
Survivors of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Flores Island, Indonesia, early Saturday morning described harrowing escapes as their homes crumbled around them.1
At least 48 people have been confirmed dead, with many more injured in the chaos that ensued.5
Melania Nius, who was at her husband’s hospital bedside, recalled the moment the quake hit: “The bed almost flipped over. Tables and all the things on the tables and on top of the cupboards all fell and scattered everywhere,” she said.2
As panic set in, she and her family quickly pushed her husband’s bed outside to safety.
“We were panicking. When the shaking eased a little, we immediately pushed his bed and took him outside,” she added.
The earthquake struck at approximately 5:30 a.m., sending shockwaves through the community and prompting a frantic response from residents.
Many fled their homes, seeking refuge in open areas as buildings collapsed.
The aftermath of the quake has left the region in shock, with rescue efforts underway to assist those affected.
Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and provide support to the survivors.
“Melania Nius, 56, was at her husband's hospital bedside on Flores Island when the quake struck, praying as she fought to get her family to safety. The bed nearly flipped over and objects scattered, but they pushed him outside once the shaking eased.”
scmp.com
