At least 47 individuals lost their lives following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake and multiple aftershocks that hit off the eastern coast of Indonesia on Saturday, as per the latest report from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). Approximately 2,000 people sought refuge in safer locations.
Due to landslides blocking roads and disrupting communication, rescue teams have not been able to reach Nagekeo, the area closest to the earthquake’s epicenter.
Although a tsunami warning was issued, it was lifted roughly three hours after the earthquake struck.
Nona, a 51-year-old resident of Talibura in East Nusa Tenggara, described the earthquake as massive, prompting her and 12 others in her house to flee to safety.
In Maumere, a port town, rescuers discovered 20 fatalities, six injuries, and two individuals trapped under debris. Suharyanto, the head of BNPB, mentioned that residents remain trapped in buildings in affected areas, with landslides blocking roads.
Efforts to reach Nagekeo were hindered by landslides, causing communication disruptions in the region. Around 2,000 residents evacuated from Nagekeo, with reports of damages to various structures.
Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena confirmed at least five deaths from collapsing debris. Preliminary data from BNPB indicated significant damage to homes, schools, health facilities, places of worship, and other infrastructure.
Videos on social media captured scenes of buildings collapsing and people fleeing in panic. Residents in different regions felt strong tremors for about a minute.
Indonesia, situated along the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent seismic activity due to the convergence of tectonic plates, leading to numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.