Rescue teams in eastern Indonesia recovered six more bodies following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake, raising the death toll to 53 as authorities continued search operations across Flores island. The quake struck early Saturday near the island’s northern coast, triggering landslides, damaging homes and cutting off several communities. Thousands of residents have been staying outdoors because of fears over continuing aftershocks, while emergency teams work to reach isolated areas.

Search-and-rescue teams have been clearing debris and landslides across six regencies, with Manggarai, East Manggarai and Nagekeo among the hardest-hit areas. Roads that had been blocked by landslides have been reopened in several locations, but power outages and disrupted communications continue to hamper relief efforts. Authorities have recorded nearly 1,000 aftershocks since the earthquake, although only a fraction were felt by residents. More than 100 people have been injured.

The number of people unable to return home has risen to nearly 12,800, with displaced residents sheltering at schools, police stations, government offices and makeshift camps. Many families have spent multiple nights outside as damaged houses remain unsafe. Authorities reported that at least 914 homes on Flores were severely damaged, while hundreds more sustained lighter damage. Public buildings, including schools, health facilities and government offices, were also affected.

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Relief operations have focused on supplying food, drinking water, blankets, medicine and other essential items to displaced communities. The Indonesian Air Force has deployed aircraft carrying emergency supplies, including food, clothing, clean water and medical equipment, while helicopters are being used to reach villages isolated by landslides. Authorities identified restoring electricity and communications and delivering aid to remote communities as major challenges. Residents in some affected areas have expressed concern over delays in receiving basic relief supplies.

The earthquake also disrupted transport along sections of the Trans-Flores Highway, a roughly 700-kilometre road connecting communities across the mountainous island. A tsunami warning issued after the quake was later lifted, while residents in places including Labuan Bajo and Mbay remained cautious because of the continuing tremors. Save the Children estimated that more than 8,000 children faced safety risks and interruptions to their education following the disaster.

Indonesia is highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic activity because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Flores has experienced major disasters before, including a powerful earthquake and tsunami in 1992 that killed about 2,500 people. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake has renewed concerns among residents already familiar with the island’s history of seismic disasters. Rescue teams continue to survey affected communities, while authorities work to assess damage and ensure assistance reaches people displaced by the quake.

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