Indonesia shaken again as powerful aftershock strikes
Key Takeaways
- A 5.7-magnitude aftershock struck eastern Indonesia on Monday.
- Nearly 1,000 aftershocks have been recorded since Saturday's main earthquake.
- At least 54 people have died, 135 were injured and nearly 7,700 displaced.
A powerful 5.7-magnitude aftershock forced fresh evacuations as survivors and hospital patients remain outside following the deadly Flores earthquake.
Indonesians fled buildings for open areas in Maumere on Monday after a powerful 5.7-magnitude aftershock shook eastern Indonesia, two days after a deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake devastated Flores Island.
Panicked guests rushed out of the Sylvia Hotel moments after the aftershock and gathered outside as staff assessed the situation.
"Yes, it seems to be an aftershock. The earthquake was quite strong as well," hotel staff member Richard said after guests evacuated the building.
At Hillers Regional General Hospital, patients are being treated under emergency tents. Relatives remain by their side as nurses care for the injured.
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Earthquake survivor Karlina is receiving treatment for injuries sustained during Saturday's earthquake. She said she had escaped outside before realising her child was still inside the building.
"Once I came back outside, the earthquake was incredibly strong, the ground was shaking violently, and eventually, I fell," she said.
Hospital director Dr Paulus Lameng said continued aftershocks are preventing patients from returning to the main building.
"Our main challenge is the condition of the building structure, which still needs to be assessed by the Public Works Agency," he explained.
"We are treating patients in the hospital yard using tents. We have sufficient medicines and equipment, but we urgently need additional support, particularly an orthopaedic doctor and a neurosurgeon," he added.
Manggarai was among the areas hit by the earthquake. Landslides struck communities across Flores, while buildings collapsed and roads were badly damaged. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, along with schools, health facilities and other public buildings.
Indonesia's disaster response remains in operation after Saturday's magnitude 7.7 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks killed at least 54 people, injured 135 others and displaced nearly 7,700 residents across East Nusa Tenggara.
More than 1,300 homes, schools and public facilities have been damaged. Emergency teams continue to deliver food, clean water, medical supplies and temporary shelters to affected communities.
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Authorities have recorded nearly 1,000 aftershocks since the main earthquake, including Monday morning's magnitude 5.7 tremor. The continued shaking is complicating rescue and recovery operations.
A 14-day state of emergency remains in force as structural inspections continue and thousands of displaced residents remain in temporary shelters.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
