Key facts
- An 84-year-old woman, Paulina Pobi, was rescued alive three days after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in eastern Indonesia.
- The earthquake killed at least 73 people, injured over 900, and displaced nearly 60,000.
- A landslide had blocked access to the woman's village, delaying her discovery.
- She was found in good health, though weak from days without food or water.
- Aid is being distributed, but challenges include damaged infrastructure and remote locations.
An 84-year-old woman, Paulina Pobi, was discovered alive three days after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores island. Authorities confirmed her rescue on Tuesday from the collapsed remains of her home in Nitunglea village, which had been made inaccessible by a landslide triggered by the quake.
Sikka regency police official Bambang Supeno stated that the woman had been safely evacuated and taken to a health center. Local official Rudolfus Riba told Agence France-Presse that due to her paralysis, Pobi could not move or speak, which delayed her discovery by her family until the fourth day. She is reported to be in good health, experiencing only weakness from days without food or water.
Rescuers are continuing to search for victims amidst debris that still covers streets. Grocery stores and petrol stations have begun to reopen. Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency has transported 398 tons of aid, including food and shelters, to affected communities. However, distribution is slowed by the mountainous terrain and damaged roads. Military aircraft, ships, and personnel are being utilized to support operations in remote areas.
More than 3,000 aftershocks have been recorded since Saturday, with many residents too afraid to return to damaged homes. Regional police chief inspector general Rudi Darmoko noted the trauma experienced by displaced communities, emphasizing the need for mental health support, particularly for children.
Indonesia is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” The country was devastated in 2004 when a 9.1-magnitude earthquake off Sumatra caused a tsunami that killed approximately 220,000 people across the region.