Powerful quake off Indonesia kills dozens, sparks mass evacuations
Rescuers combed through debris for survivors on Aug. 15 after a powerful earthquake struck off Flores island in eastern Indonesia, killing at least 20 people and sending thousands fleeing.
As the full scale of the disaster unfolded, rescue official Fathur Rahman told AFP at least 20 people were confirmed dead from four different towns on the island, popular with tourists.
"From the reports we have received, 20 people have died, six are injured, and two are still buried," Fathur said by telephone from a boat on his way to Nagekeo regency, the hardest-hit area.
Two people were known to be trapped alive under rubble in the neighbouring Manggarai regency after the 7.7-magnitude jolt.
