The death toll from the powerful earthquake in Indonesia has risen to 51. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Reuters.
The earthquake struck early on August 15 in East Nusa Tenggara province. The disaster triggered landslides and blocked roads, hampering rescue efforts.
According to Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus, the death toll has reached 51. 36 people were seriously injured, and another 77 sustained minor injuries.
In the Sikka region, more than 3,300 people have taken shelter at a sports arena or in makeshift shelters. Many residents are reluctant to return home and are sleeping outside due to ongoing aftershocks.
About 341 aftershocks were recorded after the main quake. More than 1,300 houses were damaged. Rescuers managed to reach some areas of Maumere that were previously cut off by landslides.
More than 3,500 military and police personnel have been deployed to deal with the aftermath. Due to power outages, 20 gas stations are not operating.
The East Nusa Tenggara authorities are considering declaring a state of emergency, which would allow mobilizing additional resources and funding for rescue operations.
Indonesia is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide, so earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur regularly.