Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake Strikes Indonesia Again

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores region on Monday at a depth of 10km, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences, adding to fears among residents already shaken by a powerful 7.7-magnitude quake two days earlier.

The latest tremor came as the death toll from Saturday’s earthquake rose to 53, with rescuers recovering six more bodies. At least 135 people were injured, while thousands of displaced residents spent the night outdoors fearing further aftershocks.

Rescue teams continued searching areas hit by landslides, particularly in Manggarai, East Manggarai and Nagekeo regencies. Authorities said most major landslides had been cleared and roads to several isolated villages reopened, although power outages and communication disruptions were still hampering operations.

More than 900 homes were destroyed and another 450 damaged across East Nusa Tenggara province, forcing around 5,000 people into temporary shelters. At least 241 homes were damaged in the Flores region alone.

Authorities have recorded nearly 995 aftershocks since Saturday’s quake, although only 46 were strong enough to be felt. Tsunami warnings issued after the initial earthquake were later lifted.

Landslides also blocked parts of the 700km Trans-Flores Highway, while relief teams distributed food, water, blankets and medicines to affected communities.

Indonesia is highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Flores has suffered major disasters before, including the 1992 earthquake and tsunami that killed around 2,500 people.