Indonesia raises Flores earthquake death toll to 100

Indonesian authorities have raised the death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores Island on August 15 to 100, with 1,603 injured and more than 180,000 displaced Source: El Caribe. The quake, centered about 62 kilometers northwest of Ende at a depth of 10 kilometers, damaged nearly 74,000 buildings, including over 23,000 homes with severe damage Source: infobae.

Aftershocks and fear

More than 6,400 aftershocks, ranging from magnitude 1.1 to 6.2, have rattled the region, with about 140 felt by residents Source: Diario Libre. The Indonesian meteorological agency (BMKG) expects tremors to continue for three to four weeks Source: El Caribe. Many residents remain afraid to return home, keeping thousands in evacuation centers Source: infobae.

Aid and rescue

Nearly 1,000 tons of humanitarian aid, including tents, mattresses, food, and medical supplies, have been delivered, with over 500 tons still to be transported Source: Diario Libre. In a notable rescue, 84-year-old Paulina Pobi, paralyzed and trapped under rubble for days, was found alive on August 18 Source: heraldomx. Local official Rudolfus Riba called it "irreal, casi como un milagro" Source: listindiario.

Context and comparisons

Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, prone to seismic activity Source: elnacionalve. The death toll has climbed from 68 on August 17 to 100 by August 24, reflecting ongoing search efforts Source: lavozar. The 2004 Sumatra earthquake and tsunami, which killed about 167,000 in Indonesia, remains a grim reference Source: hoydo.