Rescuers search collapsed buildings while nearly 1,600 aftershocks, landslides and blocked roads complicate relief operations in East Nusa Tenggara
JAKARTA: The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia has risen to at least 68, while more than 200 people have suffered injuries and thousands remain displaced, disaster officials said Monday.
Berton SP Panjaitan, an official with Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, confirmed the revised toll after authorities previously reported 54 deaths.
Thousands of residents across East Nusa Tenggara have evacuated their homes, with many sleeping outdoors in temporary tents because they fear further aftershocks.
Aftershocks and Landslides Complicate Rescue Operations
Authorities recorded nearly 1,600 aftershocks across the province by Monday, while Indonesia’s geophysics agency detected another magnitude-5.6 earthquake during the morning.
Furthermore, landslides have blocked roads in several areas, including Sikka and Manggarai, complicating efforts to reach isolated communities.
Residents near Ende reported shortages of clean water, food and medical assistance. In Ranukolo village, displaced families said children had developed diarrhoea because of inadequate access to safe drinking water.
Meanwhile, some residents are receiving treatment outside damaged health facilities, where authorities have established temporary medical areas using tents and hospital beds.
Authorities Mobilise Aircraft, Hospitals and Medical Teams
Rescue teams continued searching damaged buildings Monday, although officials said they had received no formal reports of missing people.
Authorities plan to use helicopters for aerial surveillance while deploying specialised equipment to examine collapsed structures.
The earthquake damaged approximately 500 homes, according to preliminary government assessments.
Additionally, authorities prepared aircraft to transport food, tents and other emergency supplies into affected communities.
Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus said Indonesia would establish emergency field hospitals in several locations. Officials particularly need neurosurgeons and orthopaedic specialists to treat head injuries and fractures.
The disaster has overshadowed Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations, with some frightened residents moving to higher ground over tsunami fears.
For many survivors, however, celebrations have become secondary as they focus on securing shelter, medical assistance and safety for their families.
