An 84-year-old woman was miraculously pulled alive from the rubble three days after a powerful Indonesian earthquake struck Flores island, authorities confirmed. The 7.7-magnitude quake on Saturday morning killed at least 73 people, injured over 900, and displaced nearly 60,000 others. Paulina Pobi, the elderly survivor, remained trapped under collapsed bamboo walls until Tuesday, when her family finally found her.
The Miraculous Rescue of an 84-Year-Old Woman
Paulina Pobi, a paralyzed resident of Nitunglea village, was buried for three days after a landslide blocked access to her home. Local officials reported that she was unable to move or speak, making her discovery even more remarkable. According to Sikka regency police, she was safely evacuated and taken to a health center, where she was found to be in good health with no injuries, only weak from lack of food and water.
How She Survived Three Days Under Rubble
Survival experts note that the human body can endure up to three days without water, but Pobi's resilience is extraordinary. Her family's persistent search and the lack of severe injuries contributed to her survival. The rescue team described the event as "like a miracle," emphasizing the emotional impact on the community.
Impact of the 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake
The earthquake triggered landslides and damaged roads, hampering relief efforts. Grocery stores and petrol stations have begun reopening, but debris still covers streets. Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency has transported 398 tons of aid, including food, tents, and shelters, but distribution is slowed by mountainous terrain and damaged infrastructure.
| Impact Category | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Deaths | 73 |
| Injuries | 900+ |
| Displaced | 60,000 |
| Aftershocks | 3,000+ |
Earthquake Safety Tips for the Elderly
For elderly individuals, earthquake preparedness is critical. Here are key steps to enhance safety:
- Secure heavy furniture and objects that could fall.
- Prepare an emergency kit with water, food, and medications.
- Establish a communication plan with family members.
- Identify safe spots in each room, such as under sturdy tables.
- Practice drop, cover, and hold on drills regularly.
Key Takeaways
- An 84-year-old woman survived 3 days under rubble after the Indonesian earthquake.
- Rapid family search and lack of injuries were crucial to her survival.
- Relief efforts face challenges from terrain and damaged roads.
- Earthquake preparedness is vital, especially for the elderly.
FAQ
How did the 84-year-old woman survive the earthquake?
What was the magnitude of the Indonesian earthquake?
What are essential earthquake safety tips for elderly people?
Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of walking sandals camping gear july favorites, camping stoves my wild cooking, running vests hydration packs by an ultra runner, camping stoves outdoor cooking, and running vests hydration packs by an ultra. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of running vests hydration packs by ultra runner, camping chairs comfort portability, discover europes lakes mountains summer travel, camping chairs portable comfort like la z boy bag, and european lake mountain travel tips submit trip. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.