Indonesia Earthquake: 59,600 Displaced, Shops Reopen After Deadly Quake

Businesses reopened in parts of Indonesia’s Flores island on Wednesday, four days after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed at least 71 people, injured nearly 1,200 and forced more than 59,600 people from their homes.

Grocery stores, markets and gas stations reopened in hard hit areas such as Maumere and Reo. Crowds quickly gathered as residents returned to shops for food and other daily needs. Many said relief supplies had helped, but they still needed local stores to reopen.

The earthquake struck at about 5:58 am on August 15 off the northern coast of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara. The US Geological Survey put its depth at about 10 kilometres. Tsunami warnings were issued after the quake but were later lifted. Waves of up to about 1.6 metres were reported in some areas.

The scale of the damage has continued to grow as teams reach more areas. Authorities say at least 11,925 homes were damaged, along with 182 health facilities, 653 schools, 184 government offices and 173 places of worship. More than 59,600 people are still staying in tents, evacuation centres and temporary shelters.

Rescue teams are still searching through collapsed buildings and areas hit by landslides. More than 3,000 aftershocks have been recorded, although only a small number were felt by residents. The repeated tremors have left many families afraid to return home.

Relief work is also continuing. About 398 tonnes of aid have been sent to affected areas, including food and other essential supplies. But damaged roads, landslides and Flores’ difficult terrain are slowing deliveries to remote villages. Military teams are helping move supplies and reach isolated communities.

Children are also struggling with fear after days of tremors. Aid workers and police have started activities to help children cope with the trauma.

Local governments in seven affected regencies have resumed work to help residents and speed up recovery. India has also expressed solidarity with Indonesia and said it is ready to provide possible help for relief and rescue efforts. Flores is part of Indonesia’s Pacific Ring of Fire, where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common. The island suffered a major earthquake and tsunami in 1992 that killed about 2,500 people.