By Nik Nurfaqih Nik Wil
JAKARTA, Aug 15 (Bernama) -- The death toll from the powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Indonesia’s Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara early Saturday has climbed to 38, as rescue teams race to reach residents believed to be trapped under damaged buildings.
National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) chief Suharyanto said that as of 3 pm local time, two people were seriously injured and 11 others sustained minor injuries, while about 2,000 residents had evacuated the affected areas on their own.
“There are still several residents who are believed to require assistance, including those trapped in several buildings,” he told a press conference streamed live Saturday.
The earthquake struck at 4.58 am local time, with its epicentre in the sea about 30 kilometres (km) from Mbay at a depth of 15 km.
A tsunami warning issued following the quake was lifted at 7.31 am after sea-level observations showed no further significant rise.
Suharyanto said search and rescue operations were the immediate priority, with personnel from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian military and police deployed to locate and rescue those affected.
Dozens of houses and several community health centres were damaged, while landslides blocked several roads. Airport terminal buildings and two ports were also affected, although runways remained undamaged.
"The extent of the damage was still being assessed as Saturday marked the first day of the disaster, with casualty and damage figures expected to continue to be updated,” he said
Suharyanto said authorities were also prioritising the restoration of transport and communication links, with the Public Works Ministry deploying personnel and equipment to clear roads blocked by landslides.
BNPB has also deployed two helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft to assist with evacuations and the delivery of relief supplies. Food, drinking water, clean water, tents, generators and other essential items were being distributed to affected communities.
-- BERNAMA