- 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Flores island on Saturday, causing widespread damage and displacement.
- Aftershocks and aid disruptions are fueling fears among displaced survivors.
- Medical assistance has not arrived in some areas; Rista Mari, a public relations officer at the Ruteng Regional General Hospital, stated that nothing has arrived yet.
- Rescuers reached a cut-off village on Palue Island on Sunday night, which had been isolated for nearly two days.
- Health facilities were severely damaged; the Ruteng Regional General Hospital's operating room and pharmacy were rendered defunct after the roof collapsed.
- Survivors report a high demand for basic necessities; Herry Kabut noted that many are starving due to a lack of food and clean water.
- Early data from Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency indicates that more than 1,000 houses have been damaged.
- Anastasia Imad, a farmer, described the quake's impact, stating, "The shaking was very scary. My house almost collapsed."
- Herry Kabut mentioned that each resident has set up their own evacuation post amid blackouts and landslides.
- In Ngada Regency, local resident Charles Abar reported that health facilities and equipment had been severely damaged.
- Sikka Deputy Police Chief Commissioner Marselus Yugo Amboro stated that the road to Nitung Village was still prone to landslides.
Survivors of the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Flores, Indonesia, are grappling with severe aid shortages and fears of starvation as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.1
The quake, which struck shortly before 06:00 on Saturday, resulted in at least 53 fatalities and displaced approximately 5,000 residents. Many survivors are now living in makeshift shelters, with reports indicating that over 1,000 houses have been damaged, alongside numerous health facilities, schools, and government offices.8
Rista Mari, a public relations officer at the Ruteng Regional General Hospital, expressed concern, stating, "We heard that medical assistance would be provided, but nothing has arrived yet." The hospital's operating room and other critical areas were rendered inoperable due to structural damage.35
Local journalist Herry Kabut noted that residents have taken matters into their own hands, establishing evacuation posts amid ongoing blackouts and landslides. He emphasized the dire need for basic foodstuffs and clean water, stating, "People have no idea where to evacuate. There's been no government advice. Many have fled to the hills and are starving."6710
In Ngada Regency, local resident Charles Abar reported that health facilities were severely damaged, and as of Sunday night, no medical assistance had reached the area. Rescuers managed to reach isolated villages, but challenges remain due to ongoing landslides.11
"They haven't received aid yet because Nitung Village was isolated for nearly two days after the quake," said Sikka Deputy Police Chief Commissioner Marselus Yugo Amboro, highlighting the urgent need for assistance.12
“More than 1,000 houses have been damaged, and Ruteng Regional General Hospital's operating room, delivery room, pharmacy, and laboratory were rendered defunct after its roof collapsed. Rescuers reached Nitung Village on Palue Island on Sunday night, but it had been isolated for nearly two days without aid.”
BBC
