At least 47 individuals lost their lives following a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake and numerous aftershocks that hit off the eastern coast of Indonesia on Saturday, as reported by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). Approximately 2,000 people sought refuge in safer locations.
Efforts to reach Nagekeo, the area closest to the quake’s epicenter, have been hampered by landslides and communication disruptions, according to officials. A tsunami warning was rescinded about three hours after the seismic event.
Describing the ordeal, Nona, a 51-year-old resident of Talibura in East Nusa Tenggara, expressed, “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, a port town, rescue teams discovered 20 fatalities, six injuries, and two individuals trapped under debris, confirmed Fathur Rahman, the head of the city’s rescue agency. Maumere is the principal town in Sikka Regency on Flores Island in eastern Indonesia.
Suharyanto, the BNPB chief, highlighted that inhabitants remain trapped in various structures in the affected areas, with landslides obstructing several routes.
Teams are yet to access Nagekeo, the nearest region to the quake’s epicenter, where communication signals have been disrupted. Fathur informed Reuters that landslides had impeded ground access to Nagekeo, while a separate team was endeavoring to reach the area by ferry.
Around 2,000 residents in Nagekeo have evacuated, and there are reports of damage to numerous residences, warehouses, and government facilities, as indicated by the BNPB. Traffic congestion and power failures have also been reported in parts of the regency.
Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena of East Nusa Tenggara Province disclosed in a press briefing that at least five individuals perished due to collapsing structures while asleep.
Initial data from the BNPB revealed severe damage to 157 homes, moderate damage to 41 residences, and minor damage to 148 structures. Additionally, 87 schools, 18 healthcare facilities, five places of worship, six office buildings, and other infrastructure have been affected.
Footage from a port in Maumere showcased parts of a building crumbling into debris as people fled the area in panic.
Siti Sulfia Bira, a 37-year-old resident residing near the Maumere port, mentioned that she promptly moved to higher ground when the tremors commenced, expressing concerns about returning home due to the unstable situation.
The earthquake’s intense tremors were felt across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and parts of South Sulawesi, with residents reporting approximately one minute of shaking, according to the BNPB.
Indonesia is situated on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a highly active seismic region where tectonic plates converge, leading to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activities.