Approximately 47 individuals lost their lives following a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake and numerous aftershocks that hit off eastern Indonesia on Saturday, as confirmed by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). Around 2,000 people sought refuge in safer locations.
Rescue teams have not yet arrived in Nagekeo, the area nearest to the earthquake’s epicenter, due to road blockages from landslides and disrupted communication lines, according to officials.
After the quake, a tsunami warning was issued but subsequently lifted three hours later.
Nona, a 51-year-old resident of Talibura village in East Nusa Tenggara, described the intense impact of the earthquake, stating, “The quake was massive; the shock was so strong. There were 13 of us inside the house, and we all ran to save ourselves.”
In Maumere, rescuers discovered 20 deceased individuals, six injured, and two trapped under debris, as reported by Fathur Rahman, the head of the city’s rescue agency. Maumere, located on Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, is the primary town in Sikka Regency.
Suharyanto, the head of BNPB, mentioned that residents are still trapped in several structures in areas affected by the earthquake, with reports of landslides obstructing numerous roads.
Teams Yet to Reach Epicenter Region of Quake
Efforts to reach Nagekeo, the region closest to the epicenter, have been impeded by communication disruptions, Fathur informed Reuters. Landslides have blocked attempts to reach Nagekeo by car, while another team is endeavoring to reach the area via ferry.
Approximately 2,000 residents in Nagekeo have evacuated, and there have been reports of damage to several residences, warehouses, and government facilities, according to the BNPB. Traffic congestion and power outages in parts of the regency have also been reported.
During a press conference, the governor of East Nusa Tenggara Province, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, indicated that at least five individuals perished as rubble collapsed on them while they slept.
Preliminary data from BNPB revealed that 157 homes suffered severe damage, 41 had moderate damage, and 148 had light damage. Additionally, 87 schools, 18 health facilities, five places of worship, and six office buildings sustained damage, along with other infrastructure.
A video on Facebook, verified by Reuters, depicted parts of a building collapsing into rubble and dust as people fled in panic on the streets at a port in Maumere.
Siti Sulfia Bira, residing near the port in Maumere, mentioned that she immediately sought higher ground when the tremors commenced.
“At the moment, we are hesitant to return home because the situation remains unstable. We are concerned that more tremors may occur,” she informed Reuters.
The BNPB reported that strong tremors were felt across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and parts of South Sulawesi, with residents in multiple areas experiencing about a minute of shaking.
Indonesia is located on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a region prone to frequent seismic activity due to the convergence of different tectonic plates, leading to numerous earthquakes and volcanic eru