The death toll in the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred in eastern Indonesia yesterday has reportedly risen to 51.
The death toll is rising in the severe 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Flores Island in eastern Indonesia yesterday. Authorities announced that the number of fatalities has reached 51 in the region where 341 aftershocks were recorded following the earthquake. Health Ministry officials reported that 36 people were seriously injured and 77 sustained minor injuries.
It was reported that more than 1,300 houses were damaged in the disaster area, and approximately 5,000 people were evacuated to safe areas and temporary shelters. It was stated that search and rescue operations were being conducted with difficulty due to landslides blocking some roads and disruptions in communication lines.
More than 3,500 soldiers and police were dispatched to the region as part of search and rescue and aid activities. The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) noted that 3 helicopters and 1 rescue ship were assigned to accelerate emergency response efforts in the archipelago.
