Indonesia earthquake: Aid shortages and fears of starvation as aftershocks continue

In Flores’ westernmost town of Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park and one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations, many survivors have been sleeping outdoors, fearful that if the tremors continue they might be crushed in their sleep.

“The shaking was very scary. My house almost collapsed,” said one farmer named Anastasia Imad, from a green emergency tent erected next to her damaged home. “We were worried that the aftershocks would collapse the house while we were sleeping.”

Herry Kabut, editor-in-chief of local publication Floresa Media, told the BBC that “each resident has set up their own evacuation post” amid blackouts, landslides and roadblocks.

“So far, many basic necessities such as [basic foodstuffs] and clean water are in great demand,” he said. “People have no idea where to evacuate. There’s been no government advice. Many have fled to the hills and are starving.”

Health services across the island have similarly been forced to move outside and set up emergency tents due to damaged facilities. Ruteng Regional General Hospital’s operating room, delivery room, pharmacy, and laboratory were all rendered defunct after the building’s roof collapsed.

Elsewhere, in Ngada Regency, local resident Charles Abar told the BBC that health facilities and equipment had been severely damaged and that, as of Sunday night, no medical assistance had arrived.

He believes the government’s response hasn’t been swift enough.

“I think facilities like emergency tents need to be provided immediately, but I also see that district and regional governments are struggling due to budget constraints, limited supplies, and so on,” he said.

Meanwhile, he added, villages have been cut off from aid and displaced people whose homes were damaged or destroyed have been forced to seek higher ground, as hundreds of aftershocks continue to rattle the island.

“The community is still traumatised,” he stressed.

Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity, lying along the meeting point of three major tectonic plates.