Magnitude 7.7 earthquake hits Flores Island, Indonesia, killing at least 51 and displacing thousands

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province at 5:58am local time on Saturday Aug 15, followed by 341 aftershocks; at least 51 people were killed, 36 seriously injured and more than 77 suffered minor injuries. More than 3,300 people in Sikka regency sought shelter in emergency facilities, over 1,300 homes were damaged, and rescue teams struggled to reach Nagekeo — the area nearest the epicentre — because landslides blocked roads. Three helicopters, a rescue vessel and more than 3,500 military and police personnel were deployed, while officials considered declaring a state of emergency for East Nusa Tenggara province.