A magnitude-7.7 earthquake in eastern Indonesia has killed at least 53 people and injured more than 130, while landslides, blocked roads and continuing aftershocks are complicating rescue operations.

Death Toll Reaches 53

At least 53 people have died and more than 130 have been injured after a powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday, with rescue teams continuing to search damaged areas for survivors.

The earthquake hit East Nusa Tenggara province, with Flores among the worst-affected areas. Six more bodies were recovered on Sunday, taking the death toll to 53, according to disaster authorities. Reuters reported that the quake was Indonesia's deadliest since 2022.

Around 5,000 Evacuated

About 5,000 residents have been evacuated from affected communities and are sheltering in temporary locations, including tents and public facilities.

In Sikka, more than 3,300 people were reported to have taken shelter as residents remained reluctant to return home because of continuing tremors and the risk of further structural collapses.

The government has declared an emergency in East Nusa Tenggara, allowing authorities to mobilise resources more quickly for rescue, medical care and relief operations.

Nearly 1,000 Aftershocks

The rescue effort has been complicated by a prolonged sequence of aftershocks.

By Sunday, Indonesia's disaster authorities had recorded 995 aftershocks, with dozens strong enough to be felt by residents.

However, the seismic activity increased further. Reuters reported on Monday that nearly 1,600 aftershocks had been recorded, including a magnitude-5.6 tremor in Nagekeo. The continuing shaking has made it harder for rescuers to work around damaged buildings.

Landslides Block Rescue Routes

The earthquake triggered landslides and damaged roads across several parts of Flores, leaving some communities difficult to reach.

Nagekeo, one of the areas closest to the epicentre, initially remained inaccessible to rescue teams because landslides blocked roads and communications were disrupted. Workers have since reopened some routes to previously isolated villages, but access remains a major challenge.

The shallow nature of the earthquake also contributed to severe damage. The epicentre was about 10 kilometres deep, according to reports.

Homes and Infrastructure Damaged

More than 900 homes were destroyed, while hundreds of other structures were damaged, according to disaster officials cited by AP.

Schools, health facilities and government buildings were also affected. At Maumere's port, structural damage was reported, adding to the logistical difficulties facing relief teams.

Power outages and communication disruptions have further complicated rescue and aid distribution in some areas.

Rescue Teams Race Against Time

Indonesia has deployed thousands of military and police personnel to support search, rescue and relief operations.

Reuters reported that about 3,500 military and police personnel had been deployed, while authorities were preparing additional aid and medical support.

Rescue teams in Maumere were also preparing aerial searches using helicopters and specialised equipment as authorities assessed areas where people could potentially remain trapped beneath collapsed structures.

For survivors, the immediate needs include food, clean water, medicines, temporary shelter and basic household supplies.

Independence Day Overshadowed

The disaster struck just days before Indonesia's Independence Day on August 17, turning what would normally be a nationwide celebration into a day of mourning and rescue operations.

Residents in affected areas have continued to stay outdoors or in temporary shelters because of fears that further tremors could bring down already weakened structures.

The earthquake has also revived memories of previous disasters in the Flores region, including the devastating 1992 earthquake and tsunami.

For now, the focus remains on reaching isolated communities, treating the injured and finding anyone who may still be trapped. With aftershocks continuing, authorities are facing a difficult balance between accelerating rescue work and keeping emergency workers and survivors safe.