Ruteng [Indonesia], August 17 – Rescuers in eastern Indonesia recovered four more bodies on Sunday raising the death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores to 51, authorities said. More than 100 people were injured and thousands were forced into temporary shelters.
The earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers in the Flores region early Saturday according to the US Geological Survey. Tsunami warnings were issued after the quake but were later lifted. Indonesia’s meteorological agency recorded at least 235 aftershocks.
Rescue teams searched through debris and landslides across six regencies with efforts focused on Manggarai, East Manggarai and Nagekeo which remained difficult to access. Landslides also blocked parts of the Trans-Flores highway a key road linking communities across the mountainous island.
The national search and rescue agency said more than 900 homes were destroyed and another 450 damaged displacing around 5,000 people.
Relief teams were distributing food, drinking water, blankets and medicine while authorities worked to restore electricity and communications. Thousands of people, including residents of tourist hub Labuan Bajo, spent the night outdoors fearing further tremors.
Indonesia is highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because it lies along the Pacific ring of fire.
