MAUMERE, Indonesia — The death toll from the magnitude-7.7 earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia has risen to at least 53, while more than 130 people have been injured, according to the latest figures released by authorities.
Approximately 5,000 residents have been evacuated from affected communities. More than 3,300 people in Sikka, one of the worst-hit regions, either left their homes independently or moved into a sports arena being used as an emergency shelter.
Nearly 1,000 aftershocks have been recorded since the main earthquake. Landslides, blocked roads and damaged communications are making it difficult for emergency crews to reach some communities and search for people who may remain under collapsed buildings.
More than 3,500 police and military personnel have been deployed to assist with rescue operations and the distribution of food, medicine and other essential supplies. Some evacuation centres have reported shortages of clean water and blankets.
Why it matters: Indonesia lies along the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire.” Continuing aftershocks and inaccessible terrain could delay assistance and increase the final casualty count.
