Flores earthquake death toll rises to 47 as rescuers reach cut-off communities

Rescue teams expanded searches across Indonesia’s Flores island on Sunday, August 16, after authorities said the death toll from the previous day’s powerful earthquake had risen to at least 47.

More than 100 people were injured and about 5,000 were staying in temporary shelters, according to Indonesia’s national disaster management agency. Officials reported at least 24 deaths in Manggarai regency and 17 in East Manggarai, with further fatalities in Sikka, Ngada and Ende.

The US Geological Survey placed the magnitude-7.7 earthquake about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende, at a depth of roughly 10 kilometres. Landslides triggered by the shaking cut roads and isolated communities across several regencies.

Authorities said more than 900 homes were destroyed and nearly 450 others damaged. At least 167 public facilities, including schools, health centres and churches, were also affected.

Search teams resumed work in previously inaccessible areas after clearing some landslides and reopening roads. Power failures and disrupted communications continued to complicate the operation, while rescuers examined the ruins of homes and other buildings for people who may still be trapped.

Relief workers began distributing food, drinking water, blankets and medicine. Many residents remained outdoors because of concerns about aftershocks.

The updated toll marks a significant increase from the 38 deaths reported in initial accounts on August 15. Flores lies within the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire and has experienced major earthquakes before, including a 1992 earthquake and tsunami that killed about 2,500 people.