Indonesia earthquake death toll reaches 54

Rescue teams in eastern Indonesia are preparing to intensify operations after a powerful earthquake killed at least 54 people and damaged hundreds of homes across East Nusa Tenggara.

Authorities said the search for people who may still be trapped under collapsed structures would continue on Monday. Rescue officials are also preparing helicopters for aerial surveillance and equipment to remove people from damaged buildings.

The earthquake has been followed by nearly 1,600 aftershocks in the affected province, according to local officials. A magnitude 5.6 tremor was also recorded in the region on Monday morning, adding to fears among residents who have been reluctant to return to their homes.

The disaster has disrupted Independence Day celebrations across parts of Indonesia. Thousands of residents have been evacuated and many are staying in temporary shelters, tents and other open areas because of concerns about further tremors.

Indonesia’s disaster management agency said the earthquake had damaged about 500 houses. Landslides also blocked roads in several areas, including Sikka and Manggarai, making it more difficult for emergency teams to reach affected communities.

Survivors have reported shortages of basic necessities, including clean water, food and medical assistance. In one affected village, residents said children had developed diarrhoea because of poor access to safe drinking water.

Some injured and vulnerable residents are being treated at makeshift medical facilities. Health authorities are preparing emergency field hospitals and say specialist doctors, including neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons, are needed to treat people suffering from head injuries and broken bones.

Authorities are also preparing aircraft to transport food, tents and other relief supplies to communities cut off by damaged roads and landslides.

Rescue officials said there were no confirmed reports of missing people at the time of their latest update. However, search teams are continuing to inspect damaged areas to ensure that no survivors remain trapped beneath the rubble.

The earthquake has deeply affected local communities, with many residents prioritising safety over the country’s Independence Day celebrations. Some families have moved to higher ground after fearing that further tremors could trigger additional hazards.

Indonesia has experienced several major earthquakes in recent years. The latest disaster is being described as the country’s deadliest since a devastating 2022 earthquake in West Java claimed hundreds of lives.

With aftershocks continuing and access to some areas still difficult, emergency authorities are focusing on rescue operations, medical treatment and the delivery of essential supplies to affected communities.