Four days after a powerful earthquake struck the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, essential businesses began reopening to serve residents still coping with loss and displacement. Grocery stores, fuel stations and market stalls opened their doors on Wednesday, offering a modest return to normalcy for the thousands who remain in tents, evacuation centers and makeshift shelters.
Extent of the disaster
The quake, which hit just before 6 a.m. on Saturday, registered a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Officials reported at least 70 fatalities and nearly 1,200 injuries. Damage assessments listed 11,925 homes, 182 health facilities, 653 schools, 184 government offices and 173 places of worship across the island.
More than 40,000 people were displaced, and rescue teams continued to search rubble for additional victims. Over 2,100 aftershocks were recorded through Tuesday, though only about 70 were felt by residents.
Local government response
East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena announced that the seven regencies hardest hit by the quake have resumed administrative operations to accelerate post‑disaster recovery and meet community needs. Immediate food and water assistance has been distributed, but residents say aid does not fully cover daily necessities.
“Food aid has helped, but it doesn’t cover everything we need for daily life,” said Delvina Panjaitan, who waited in line outside a partially opened grocery store in Reo, Manggarai regency. “We still rely on grocery stores and markets, and we need them to be operating again.”
Business reopening
In Maumere, the port city of Sikka regency, markets and fuel stations attracted large crowds as they reopened. In Reo, a town in the heavily affected Manggarai regency, a grocery store opened only part of its floor space to limit the number of customers at one time, allowing shoppers to obtain essential supplies while maintaining safety.
Local merchants expressed relief at being able to serve their neighbors again, noting that the return of commerce is a critical step toward rebuilding both the economy and community morale.
Ongoing challenges
While the reopening of shops marks progress, many families remain without permanent housing and continue to fear further aftershocks. Rescue workers are still clearing debris and mud from landslides, and officials caution that additional victims could still be uncovered.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. The 1992 disaster on Flores, which combined a quake and tsunami, claimed roughly 2,500 lives, underscoring the region’s vulnerability.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, maintain temporary shelters and coordinate with national disaster agencies to ensure that essential services are restored and that the affected population receives ongoing support.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
