Indonesian quake leaves thousands in tents as aftershocks continue
A powerful quake on Indonesia’s Flores island has left thousands sheltering in temporary tents while aftershocks keep the community on edge.
In the early hours of Saturday a 7.7‑magnitude earthquake struck north of Flores island, killing 68 people, injuring dozens and displacing roughly 13,000 residents of the Nagekeo district.
Survivors from the coastal village of Marapokot fled to higher ground, where they erected a series of large tents using tarpaulin, plastic, rope and poles. The makeshift camp now houses families who fear returning to homes that are still cracking under the strain of aftershocks.
“Our houses are all cracked… We are worried about aftershocks, that we will be buried under the rubble,” said Sulistiyah, a 53‑year‑old mother of three.
Living in temporary shelters
Inside the tents, families cope with scorching sun, limited water and no sanitation facilities. Asia Yusuf, 52, explained that water supplies are so scarce residents can only shower once every two days. Electricity is intermittent, and many children spend the day without a proper place to study.
Another evacuee, Muhamad Yasin, described the community as “traumatised”. Each tremor, however slight, triggers panic, and residents say there is “nowhere to run” because they are already on the highest ground.
Government response and what lies ahead
Authorities have pledged emergency food, water and medicine, but survivors say aid has been slow to arrive. In Jakarta, the government cancelled the Independence Day fireworks as a sign of solidarity. President Prabowo Subianto urged the nation to pray for those affected and promised that reconstruction funds would be allocated.
Officials have urged displaced people to return home, yet many remain reluctant until aftershocks subside and safe housing can be guaranteed. The next weeks will likely see a surge in reconstruction contracts, while humanitarian groups work to improve water, sanitation and shelter conditions.
As the region grapples with the aftermath, the lingering fear of another tremor underscores the need for resilient building practices and swift, coordinated relief efforts.
