LAMBA LEDA, Indonesia — A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Flores Island early Saturday, killing at least 70 people and injuring nearly 1,200 others. The tremor, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) shortly before 6 a.m. damaged thousands of homes and displaced tens of thousands across the remote island in East Nusa Tenggara province.
More than 40,000 people are sheltering in tents, evacuation centers and makeshift camps, according to the National Disaster Management Agency. At least 11,925 homes sustained damage. The local disaster agency reported that 172 health facilities, 658 schools, 187 offices and 172 places of worship were also damaged across Flores Island.
Residents fled in panic when tsunami warnings were issued following the main tremor. Authorities later lifted these warnings. More than 2,100 aftershocks were recorded through Tuesday, though only 70 were felt by residents.
Vincentius Rano, a resident of Lamba Leda in East Manggarai regency, was among those injured. His timber house collapsed as the earthquake struck Saturday morning, injuring his back and shoulder as he shielded his wife and 5-year-old daughter.
"Suddenly, we felt a tremor that kept getting stronger," Rano said. "We didn't have time to get outside. Everything happened so fast. The roof collapsed on us, and all I could do was shield my wife and child with my back."
Lamba Leda was among the hardest hit areas. At least 50 homes were destroyed there, and trees toppled over.
Many survivors, particularly children, are struggling with trauma. Parents at evacuation centers reported that children remain afraid to return indoors and wake up frightened at night.
Aid workers and volunteers are providing psychosocial support, food and medical assistance at evacuation camps across Flores. Local police chief Yudhi Franata organized trauma-healing sessions for children displaced by the disaster in Ende regency, incorporating mental health treatment, counseling, games and educational activities.
"For many survivors, especially children, the psychological impact has lingered long after the shaking stopped," Franata said.
