DestinationsHotels suffer minor damage, tourists evacuated but flights resume.

Flores death toll rises as search for quake survivors continues

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Flight services in the region, including those to Komodo Island, have resumed although tourists are being urged to check with airlines and hotels for up-to-date information. Featured: Harbour of Labuan Bajo
Flight services in the region, including those to Komodo Island, have resumed although tourists are being urged to check with airlines and hotels for up-to-date information. Featured: Harbour of Labuan Bajo Photo Credit: iStock/Iryna Shpulak

Tourism infrastructure was left largely unscathed by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Flores in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday, 15 August.

According to reports, several hotels suffered only minor damage, including Ayana, Ta'aktana Marriott, Crown, Menjaga Bay, Luwansa, Sudamala, and Meurora hotels.

One of the most badly damaged properties was the Jayakarta Hotel in West Manggarai, with all guests staying at the property relocated to alternative hotels.

Indonesia’s tourism ministry confirmed that electricity and internet access had been restored at most hotels in the earthquake-affected areas.

Authorities said almost 1,000 tourists were evacuated from Padar Island to Labuan Bajo after the port authority lifted the suspension of maritime transport services following the earthquake.

Labuan Bajo is the gateway to Komodo National Park. 

Flight services in the region, including those to Komodo Island, have resumed although tourists are being urged to check with airlines and hotels for up-to-date information. 

Waves of up to 1.6 metres were reported in some coastal regions, according to Indonesia's BMKG geological agency, although tsunami warnings were later lifted. 

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the death toll had reached 53 as of Monday, 17 August.

Rescue operations are continuing after more than 900 homes were destroyed and 450 more damaged across East Nusa Tenggara province.

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