(ANS – Flores) — On Saturday, Aug. 15, Indonesia was struck by a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter in the town of Mbay, in Nagekeo Regency on the island of Flores. The earthquake hit the northern part of the island hardest, stretching from Maumere and Ngada to Manggarai. The death toll and extent of the damage caused by the earthquake continue to rise, as data collection operations on the ground are still ongoing.

From the outset, local authorities have been in contact with various regional leaders in Flores to assess the current situation in their respective areas. This measure was taken to ensure that information about the damage could be promptly reported to the governor of East Nusa Tenggara, Melky Lakalena. To meet the food needs of those affected during the emergency, the governor has also requested support from the private sector in the areas hit by the disaster.

Meanwhile, the Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) continues to record a series of aftershocks following the main earthquake. Arief Tyastama, head of the BMKG Geophysical Station in Kupang, stated that more than 100 aftershocks of varying intensities have already been recorded. Residents of Flores have therefore been urged to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, emergency operations on the ground continue to focus on the evacuation of victims. All police officers in the affected areas have been ordered to carry out evacuations immediately, in coordination with the relevant authorities.

There is also a Salesian community on the island of Flores, located in the town of Labuan Bajo. The community consists of three members: Fr. Peter Tukan, Bonifacio Ony, and Salesian Brother Yulius. As reported, the Salesian community is safe and, following the earthquake, opened its doors to local residents seeking shelter. The people of Labuan Bajo were able to return to their homes shortly afterward but say they remain on alert for fear of a possible tsunami.

“We also have many fellow priests from Manggarai, Ngada, Nagekeo and Ende,” say the Salesians on the island of Flores. “So far, they are still finding it difficult to communicate with their families, as there is no electricity or telephone service.”

The Salesians assure the people of Flores and its inhabitants of their prayers.