Rescuers find 84-year-old Paulina Pobi alive after three days in Indonesia quake rubble
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Rescuers found 84-year-old Paulina Pobi alive under the rubble of her home in Nitunglea, Flores Island, three days after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia. Pobi had no injuries but was weakened after days without food and water, and was taken to a nearby medical centre. The quake killed at least 73 people, injured more than 900 and displaced about 60,000 residents.
Key Facts
- A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Flores Island, Indonesia, on the morning of August 15, killing at least 73 people, injuring more than 900 and displacing about 60,000 residents.
- 84-year-old Paulina Pobi was found alive under the rubble of her home in Nitunglea village three days after the quake.
- Pobi had no injuries but was weakened after days without food and water, and was taken to a nearby medical centre.
- A landslide triggered by the earthquake blocked the road to Nitunglea, delaying rescuers and relatives.
- Seismologists recorded more than 3,000 aftershocks, at least 86 of which were felt by local residents.
The Rescue in Nitunglea
Paulina Pobi, 84, lived in Nitunglea village on Indonesia's Flores Island. A landslide triggered by the earthquake blocked the road to the settlement, delaying rescuers and relatives. Her house collapsed, trapping her under bamboo walls and leaving her unable to move or speak. She was found after three days and evacuated to the nearest medical centre. Local official Rudolfus Riba said she had no injuries but was weakened after days without food and water, and called her survival a miracle.
Quake Impact and Response
The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island on the morning of August 15. At least 73 people were killed, more than 900 injured and about 60,000 residents displaced. Authorities delivered 398 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food, tents and equipment for temporary shelters, using military aircraft and ships. Distribution is complicated by mountainous terrain and damaged roads. Seismologists recorded more than 3,000 aftershocks, at least 86 of which were felt by local residents, many of whom fear returning to damaged homes.
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Rescuers find 84-year-old Paulina Pobi alive after three days in Indonesia quake rubble
