Indonesian octogenarian pulled from quake rubble after three days

Paulina Pobi was extracted from the debris in Nitunglea village following the seismic event that struck the eastern Indonesian region. Despite spending three days trapped beneath collapsed structures, the elderly woman survived without access to food or water, defying expectations in a rescue operation challenged by multiple obstacles.

Rescue teams battled difficult conditions to reach survivors in the affected areas. Landslides and damaged road networks significantly impeded access to affected communities, slowing recovery efforts across the disaster zone.

Pobi's rescue represents one of the few success stories to emerge from the widespread destruction triggered by the earthquake. The disaster has resulted in significant displacement and casualties across Flores island, with many communities still grappling with the scale of devastation.

Officials continue search and rescue operations in other affected areas, though access remains severely constrained by environmental hazards and infrastructure damage. Humanitarian agencies have mobilized to provide assistance to displaced residents and those requiring medical attention.