Jakarta: Indonesia is grappling with a severe shortage of earthquake relief supplies, as the recent devastating earthquake continues to affect thousands on Flores Island. The scarcity of critical aid items, such as food, clean drinking water, and medical supplies, is worsening the plight of earthquake victims, who are already dealing with transportation difficulties and power outages.
According to Thai News Agency, the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck early Saturday morning at a shallow depth of just 15 kilometers, resulting in at least 68 fatalities, over 200 injuries, and displacing more than 5,000 people. This disaster is the most severe to hit Indonesia since 2022, leaving residents of the East Nusa Tenggara province apprehensive due to the nearly 1,600 aftershocks. Many have fled to hillsides without guidance from authorities and are now facing starvation.
Rescue operations are hindered by landslides and debris blocking access to isolated communities. The local healthcare infrastructure is critically compromised, with many hospitals and health centers destroyed, compelling medical teams to operate in makeshift outdoor tents. At the Dampek Health Center, local doctors are overwhelmed by the influx of patients and are dealing with a dire lack of medical supplies. Ruteng Central Hospital, located approximately four hours away, has suffered significant damage to its facilities and is still awaiting much-needed medical shipments.
Data from Indonesia's National Disaster Relief Agency reveals that over 1,000 buildings, including medical facilities, schools, and government offices, have sustained damage. In response, the Ministry of Health has dispatched two field hospital units to expedite aid efforts.
In Labuan Bajo, a vital tourist hub and entry point to Komodo National Park, both residents and tourists are resorting to sleeping in emergency tents due to fears that aftershocks could lead to further building collapses.
Some affected residents have voiced their concerns regarding the perceived slow and inadequate governmental response, which they claim has failed to meet the essential needs of those profoundly impacted by the disaster.