At least 47 individuals lost their lives in the wake of a magnitude 7.7 earthquake and numerous aftershocks hitting eastern Indonesia on Saturday, as per the latest update from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). Around 2,000 people sought refuge in safer locations.
Nagekeo, the area closest to the quake’s epicenter, remains inaccessible to rescue teams due to landslides obstructing roads and disrupting communication channels. The tsunami warning was rescinded three hours post the earthquake.
Describing the tremor as intense, Nona, a 51-year-old resident of Talibura in East Nusa Tenggara, recounted the panic within her household during the event. In Maumere, rescuers discovered 20 fatalities, six injuries, and two individuals trapped beneath debris, according to Fathur Rahman, the head of the city’s rescue operations.
Suharyanto, the BNPB chief, mentioned ongoing challenges with trapped residents in affected structures and landslides impeding transportation routes. Efforts to reach Nagekeo have been stymied by landslides, with alternative travel via ferry being explored.
Approximately 2,000 Nagekeo residents evacuated the area, with damages reported to residences, warehouses, and government buildings. The governor of East Nusa Tenggara Province, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, confirmed five casualties from collapsing structures.
Initial BNPB assessments revealed extensive damage to homes, schools, health facilities, religious sites, and office premises, alongside other vital infrastructure. Videos circulating on social media depicted buildings crumbling amid chaos and evacuations.
Residents across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and parts of South Sulawesi experienced pronounced tremors lasting about a minute. Indonesia, situated along the active “Pacific Ring of Fire,” witnesses frequent seismic activities and volcanic eruptions.