Indonesia Earthquake Leaves 51 Dead as Rescuers Search Areas Cut Off by Landslides

By Benson Daniel

At least 51 people have been killed and more than 100 injured after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia’s eastern Flores region, triggering landslides, destroying buildings and cutting off several communities.

The earthquake struck early Saturday in East Nusa Tenggara province, with the epicentre located offshore near Flores Island. The shallow depth of the tremor intensified its impact, causing widespread structural damage and prompting emergency authorities to launch search and rescue operations across the affected areas.

Rescue teams have been searching through collapsed buildings and landslide debris for survivors and victims, while some communities remain difficult to reach because roads have been blocked by landslides.

Authorities said some residents are feared to have been buried beneath landslide debris, particularly in areas close to the earthquake’s epicentre. Rescue operations have been slowed by damaged roads, power outages and disrupted communications.

The earthquake also triggered a brief tsunami warning, which was later lifted after authorities determined that there was no continuing major tsunami threat. Several small waves were recorded along parts of the coast.

More than 5,000 people have been displaced and are sheltering in temporary facilities or outdoors as residents remain afraid to return to damaged homes because of continuing aftershocks.

Officials reported that more than 1,300 homes were damaged, alongside schools, health facilities and other public infrastructure. The Trans Flores Highway was also affected, making it difficult for emergency teams to reach some of the worst hit communities.

The earthquake has been followed by hundreds of aftershocks, adding to fears among residents and complicating rescue and recovery operations. Authorities have urged people in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow emergency instructions.

Emergency agencies have deployed thousands of personnel, including police and military personnel, to assist with rescue operations, evacuations, medical care and the distribution of essential supplies.

Medical teams are also treating injured residents, while temporary shelters have been established for people whose homes were destroyed or considered unsafe.

The disaster has particularly affected parts of Nagekeo, Manggarai and East Manggarai, where access has been hampered by landslides and damaged infrastructure.

Indonesia is highly vulnerable to earthquakes because of its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area characterised by intense seismic and volcanic activity.

The latest disaster is among the country’s most serious earthquakes in recent years and has raised renewed concerns about the vulnerability of communities in remote areas where emergency access can be difficult.

Rescue workers are expected to continue searching affected communities as authorities assess the full extent of the destruction and determine whether additional people remain trapped beneath collapsed structures or landslide debris.

The death toll could rise as rescue teams gain access to areas that have remained isolated since the earthquake.