health
Thousands evacuate after Indonesia quake kills 53, aftershocks hamper rescue efforts
Over 3,300 people in Indonesia's eastern Sikka region self-evacuated or were in a sports arena, the country's national disaster mitigation agency BNPB said.
TL;DR
- Magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia, killing at least 53 people and injuring over 130.
- Approximately 5,000 people have been evacuated due to the earthquake and subsequent landslides.
- Rescue efforts are challenged by ongoing aftershocks and debris blocking roads.
- Residents are sheltering in evacuation centers like sports stadiums and makeshift tents, expressing fear of aftershocks and noting a lack of basic necessities.
- The affected region has a history of major earthquakes, with a magnitude-7.5 quake causing extensive destruction in 1992.
- Indonesia is located on the 'Pacific Ring of Fire', making it prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
- A state of emergency has been declared in the East Nusa Tenggara province.