A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island, leaving at least 70 people dead, nearly 1,200 injured and more than 40,000 displaced as rescue teams continue working through damaged communities.

The earthquake hit early Saturday, August 15, in East Nusa Tenggara province. The shallow tremor sent residents rushing from buildings as homes, schools, health facilities and other structures were damaged across the region.

Authorities reported that nearly 12,000 homes were damaged, along with hundreds of schools, medical facilities, government buildings and places of worship. Landslides also blocked roads, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach some of the hardest-hit areas.

The disaster was followed by more than 2,100 aftershocks, adding to the fear among survivors. Many families have remained in tents, evacuation centers and makeshift shelters because they are afraid to return home. Children in particular have struggled with fear as the ground continues to shake.

A tsunami warning was issued after the earthquake but was later lifted. The quake also generated tsunami waves, with the highest reported wave reaching about 1.61 meters in one coastal area.

Amid the destruction, one extraordinary story has emerged from a damaged hospital.

Maria Florida Nogo Kelen, 39, was eight months pregnant when the earthquake struck. Doctors determined that she needed an emergency cesarean section because delaying the delivery could have put her life at serious risk.

With power disrupted and aftershocks continuing, medical staff performed the emergency operation under flashlight illumination. Her baby girl was born prematurely weighing just 1.3 kilograms.

The mother named her daughter Gempita, inspired by the Indonesian word for earthquake.

The newborn has remained stable in an incubator placed outside under a tent while medical workers continue caring for patients in difficult conditions.

Across Flores, rescue crews, police, soldiers, medical workers and volunteers continue searching damaged areas and delivering essential supplies.

For thousands of survivors, the earthquake is far from over. Homes have been destroyed, roads remain difficult to access and the constant aftershocks continue to remind families of the danger.

As recovery begins, communities across Flores are now facing the enormous task of rebuilding their lives after one of Indonesia’s deadliest earthquakes in recent years.