Thousands displaced by deadly Indonesia earthquake as rescue efforts continue
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake has struck the Indonesian island of Flores, resulting in at least 51 deaths and displacing thousands of residents. Rescue operations are currently underway as authorities assess damage to over 900 homes and critical infrastructure across the mountainous region.
Why it matters
The disaster highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the 'Ring of Fire' region to seismic activity and the logistical challenges of providing aid in remote, mountainous areas.
Figure caption, Watch: Buildings partially collapse in Indonesia after 7.7 earthquake
Around 5,000 people have been displaced by a powerful earthquake in Indonesia that has caused at least 51 fatalities.
Rescuers continue to search for survivors of the shallow magnitude 7.7 quake, which struck the island of Flores shortly before 05:00 local time on Saturday (22:00 GMT on Friday).
Preliminary reports indicate more than 900 homes and hundreds of other buildings have been severely damaged by the tremor and 341 subsequent aftershocks, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said.
The full scale of the disaster is still being uncovered, with news of a second magnitude 6.9 earthquake elsewhere in Indonesia serving as a reminder of why this region is called the ring of fire.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in