Indonesia earthquake death toll rises to 51, rescue efforts continue

The death toll from a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Indonesia's Flores island on Saturday has risen to 51, with rescue teams recovering four more bodies on Sunday. The US Geological Survey reported the quake hit at a depth of 10 km at 5:58 am local time, triggering tsunami warnings that were later lifted. At least 235 aftershocks have followed, according to Indonesia's meteorological agency.

Rescuers are digging through debris and landslides across six regencies, focusing on the hardest-hit Manggarai, East Manggarai and Nagekeo, which remain inaccessible. The National Search and Rescue Agency said 101 people were injured, more than 900 homes destroyed and 450 damaged, forcing about 5,000 people into temporary shelters. Thousands at Labuan Bajo, gateway to Komodo National Park, spent the night outdoors fearing aftershocks.

Landslides have blocked sections of the Trans-Flores Highway, and authorities say restoring electricity and communications, and delivering aid to remote villages, are the biggest challenges. Relief workers have distributed rice, water, blankets and medicine. The Hindustan Times and New Indian Express report that Fathur Rahman, head of the Search and Rescue Office in Maumere, said most landslides have been cleared and roads reopened, but communication and power outages hamper efforts.