Indonesia: A 7.7 magnitude earthquake has killed at least 53 people and displaced about 5,000 survivors on Flores island, with aid disruptions and aftershocks raising concerns over food and emergency supplies.
The earthquake struck shortly before 06:00 on April 15 at a depth of 15 kilometres. Survivors were forced to sleep outdoors because of fears that damaged buildings could collapse during further tremors. Tents have been set up among the rubble of damaged hospitals and are being used as temporary treatment areas.
Landslides blocked roads in parts of the island, making it harder to deliver essential supplies to affected communities. The aid stocks are declining in several areas, adding to concerns over how long displaced families can manage without regular assistance.
The disaster is Indonesia’s deadliest earthquake since 2022, when hundreds of people were killed in West Java. Early figures from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) indicate that more than 1,000 houses were damaged. Dozens of health facilities, schools and government offices also suffered damage.
Health services face major disruption as medical teams move operations outside damaged buildings. Ruteng Regional General Hospital is among the affected facilities, with a collapsed roof leaving the operating room, delivery room, pharmacy and laboratory unusable, while emergency tents provide temporary medical services.
Indonesia is highly exposed to earthquakes and volcanic activity because the country sits near the meeting point of 3 major tectonic plates. The location increases the risk of powerful seismic events across several regions.
Rescue teams have also been working to restore access to isolated communities. On April 16 night, rescuers reached Nitung Village on Palue Island after the community had remained cut off for nearly 2 days following the earthquake.
The rescue journey required about 2 hours of overland travel from the coast. The operation provides a vital link to communities affected by damaged roads and disrupted access routes.
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