ENDE, Indonesia, 17 August, 2026 (Nosheen) – Rescue operations continued on Monday for victims of a powerful earthquake in eastern Indonesia that has killed at least 54 people. Thousands of residents have been evacuated as rescuers prepare to search collapsed buildings, while nearly 1,600 aftershocks have been recorded in East Nusa Tenggara. The earthquake triggered landslides and blocked roads in several areas, including Sikka and Manggarai. Authorities said around 500 homes were damaged and prepared planes to deliver food, tents and other relief supplies. An emergency field hospital will also be established, with medical teams including neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons being deployed to treat serious injuries.The disaster has cast a shadow over Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations, with many residents remaining in tents and fearing further tremors. Local residents reported shortages of clean water, food and medical assistance, while authorities continued aerial searches and rescue efforts. President Prabowo Subianto attended Independence Day celebrations in Jakarta as emergency operations continued in the quake-hit region.