In Indonesia, a 14-day emergency response period was declared in East Nusa Tenggara province today after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Flores yesterday morning. According to a decree issued by East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Laka Lena, the emergency response will remain in effect till 28th of this month. The measure is intended to facilitate disaster response, evacuations, relief distribution and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency said the earthquake and 341 aftershocks had killed 51 people and injured 113 others. Hundreds of buildings across the region were also damaged. Several flights in East Nusa Tenggara were cancelled following the earthquake.
Officials said people may still be trapped inside damaged buildings in several areas. Landslides have also been reported, with debris blocking roads and hampering rescue and relief operations.
