Thousands of individuals in need of assistance were still awaiting aid on Flores Island in Indonesia as of Monday, following a deadly earthquake that resulted in a minimum of 68 fatalities, over 200 injuries, and extensive damage to numerous structures.
Residents on Flores Island, located in East Nusa Tenggara province, mourned the loss of victims while anticipating the arrival of aid in communities that remained isolated due to the earthquake’s impact. The aftermath of the quake included collapsed buildings, shattered homes, and obstructed roads with debris such as trees and boulders.
Rasyid Jafar, a local clothing trader from the village of Reo, expressed the urgent need for essential supplies like food, medicine, and clean water, emphasizing the dire situation caused by the destruction of his home.
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, during the Independence Day ceremony in Jakarta, called for prayers for the disaster-affected individuals in East Nusa Tenggara and other affected regions, leading a nationwide moment of silence to honor the nation’s heroes of independence.
The earthquake, with a depth of 10 kilometers, struck East Nusa Tenggara province early on Saturday, resulting in damage to over 4,500 homes, displacement of approximately 19,000 people to temporary shelters, injuries to 213 individuals, and destruction of numerous health facilities, schools, and places of worship.
The region experienced over 1,500 aftershocks by Monday, with some of them felt by residents. A state of emergency was declared for 14 days by the province’s governor on Sunday to facilitate the response efforts.
In the disaster zone, nearly 1,500 military and police personnel have been deployed, along with 10 aircraft, to deliver 275 tons of aid. Logistical challenges have slowed down aid deliveries to severely affected communities, prompting the establishment of emergency field hospitals in Ruteng.
Aid workers managed to reach remote areas like Palue Island, close to the earthquake’s epicenter, after overcoming challenging terrain obstructed by landslides. The journey was described as perilous, with roads blocked and steep inclines, highlighting the urgency of providing assistance to isolated residents.
Indonesia, situated in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” known for its seismic activity, has a history of natural disasters, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The recent earthquake in Flores adds to the country’s vulnerability to such events.
This region had previously experienced a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 1992, resulting in significant casualties. The country also faced catastrophic tsunamis in 2004 and 2018, claiming thousands of lives.