Indonesia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 68, Thousands Await Aid

Thousands of people in Indonesia are awaiting aid after a powerful earthquake killed 68 individuals, overshadowing the country's Independence Day. The 7.7-magnitude quake struck early Saturday, injuring more than 100 people.

Most casualties were found in the central part of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara Province. More than 12,000 people have been displaced by the earthquake, sheltering at schools, police stations, and government offices, with many remaining outside. Rescuers in eastern Indonesia are continuing to comb through collapsed buildings in search of anyone who might still be trapped beneath the rubble.

Authorities stated there are no more reports of missing persons, but teams from various institutions are still sweeping the areas to find possible victims. Some 1,600 aftershocks have been recorded following the main quake. Flores Island was previously affected by a similarly strong earthquake and tsunami waves in 1992, which resulted in over 2,000 deaths. Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.