Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - At least 53 people have died after a magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores island. Thousands of residents have evacuated their homes as repeated aftershocks, landslides and damaged infrastructure complicate rescue and relief operations.

The earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara province early Saturday at a shallow depth, causing severe damage to homes and other buildings. More than 900 houses and several public structures were reportedly damaged, while roads were blocked by landslides and some communities were cut off. Around 5,000 people have been displaced or evacuated, with many spending the night outdoors amid fears that further tremors could bring down weakened buildings. Rescue teams recovered six additional bodies on Sunday, raising the reported death toll to 53.

The main earthquake was followed by approximately 341 aftershocks, making it dangerous for rescuers to enter damaged areas. Communication disruptions, power outages and a shortage of heavy equipment have further slowed efforts to reach isolated villages and assess the full extent of the destruction. Authorities have begun sending emergency supplies and additional rescue resources to the affected region. Helicopters, aircraft, naval vessels and search-and-rescue boats are being depolyed to support evacuation, medical assistance and the delivery of aid.

The immediate priority is to locate survivors, treat the injured and provide shelter to thousands of evacuees. With aftershocks continuing and access routes damaged, rescue teams face a difficult race against time to reach remote communities and prevent further loss of life.