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Miracle Rescue: Woman Found Alive After 3 Days Under Rubble
20 Aug
Summary
- An 84-year-old woman survived three days trapped beneath earthquake debris.
- She was found alive and in good health, though weak from lack of sustenance.
- Aid distribution is slowed by mountainous terrain and damaged roads.
An 84-year-old woman, Paulina Pobi, was discovered alive on Tuesday, three days after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake devastated eastern Indonesia. She had been trapped in the flattened remains of her home in Nitunglea village following a landslide triggered by the quake. Rescuers found her in good health, albeit weakened from a lack of food and water.
Authorities confirmed Pobi's safe evacuation to a nearby health center. The powerful earthquake, which struck off Flores island, has resulted in at least 73 fatalities and over 900 injuries, displacing nearly 60,000 people. Recovery efforts continue, with shops reopening, but debris remains scattered and search teams are still active.
Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency is distributing aid, including food and shelters, to affected communities. However, distribution is impeded by the island's rugged geography and earthquake-damaged roads. Military aircraft and ships are being utilized to support operations in remote areas, as over 3,000 aftershocks have been recorded.
Many displaced residents are suffering from physical injuries and psychological trauma, particularly children. Indonesia frequently experiences seismic activity due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire."
