At least 68 people are dead and more than 200 others are injured after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia Saturday.
The earthquake caused “significant destruction,” according to the National Disaster Management Authority for Indonesia, or BNPB. More than 4,500 homes were damaged and approximately 19,000 people were forced into temporary shelters. The quakes also damaged 252 schools, 122 health facilities and 84 places of worship, according to The Associated Press.
Nearly 2 million people were exposed to strong or violent shaking, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. Thousands of people slept under tents outside their collapsed homes Sunday night, fearing the danger of aftershocks following the initial quake.
Residents who survived the quake, including thousands who are still awaiting aid, “are in dire need of urgent assistance,” according to BNPB.
BNPB “moved quickly” to support emergency response efforts in the affected areas, providing refugee tents, folding mattresses, mats, blankets, water, and basic food and hygiene supplies.
“It is hoped that the delivery of logistics and equipment will accelerate the fulfillment of the community’s basic needs, especially for residents whose homes were damaged or those who had to evacuate due to the earthquake,” BNPB said in a release.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto invited the Indonesian people to pray for those affected by the disaster.
Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, the governor in the East Nusa Tenggara province where the quake struck, declared a two-week state of emergency. Nearly 1,500 military and police personnel have been deployed to assist in disaster relief, according to AP.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10.0 kilometers and was followed by more than 1,500 aftershocks, authorities said. Tsunami warnings were issued but later lifted.
USGS said the quake is identified as the potential main shock of a sequence of 69 earthquakes. Aftershocks will decrease over time but could remain heightened throughout the next year or longer, USGS reports.
Indonesia is located in a “seismically active area,” according to USGS, where earthquakes are common. Saturday’s quake is one of six to occur with a magnitude of 7 or larger within the area since 1950, and 37 quakes have occurred of magnitude 6 and greater.
