- 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia, leading to a rising death toll of 51 and the evacuation of around 5,000 people.
- The quake, followed by 341 aftershocks, is Indonesia's worst in years.
A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia, resulting in at least 51 fatalities and over 100 injuries. The quake, which occurred on Saturday morning, has led to the evacuation of around 5,000 residents and is noted as the worst in years, with 341 aftershocks reported.12
The Deputy Health Minister, Benjamin Paulus Octavianus, confirmed that 36 individuals were seriously injured and 77 sustained minor injuries. The disaster mitigation agency, BNPB, reported that more than 3,300 people in the Sikka region either self-evacuated or were stranded in a sports arena.
Simon Sabandi, deputy regent of Sikka, noted, “Almost all of Sikka's residents didn't dare stay indoors, so they slept on a porch or a tent outside.” In response to the disaster, over 3,500 military and police officers have been deployed to assist in rescue efforts, as rescuers accessed areas previously blocked by landslides.
The BNPB indicated that most of the missing individuals are believed to be trapped under rubble, with more than 1,300 homes damaged. Additionally, 20 petrol stations were reported non-operational due to power outages, and the East Nusa Tenggara government is considering declaring an emergency to mobilize resources and funding.
This earthquake follows a 1992 magnitude-7.5 quake that caused extensive destruction in the same area, highlighting the region's vulnerability to seismic activity.
“The 7.7-magnitude quake triggered 341 aftershocks, making it Indonesia's most severe seismic event in years. The high aftershock count complicates rescue efforts and raises concerns about further casualties.”
