Indonesia, Aug. 16 -- The Indonesian Air Force deployed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and dozens of personnel to airlift 13 tons of emergency aid to survivors of a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that devastated Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

The relief operation, operating out of El Tari Air Force Base in Kupang, is focusing its primary airbridge on Maumere in Sikka Regency before staging onward distribution to severely impacted and isolated regions, including Ende, Nagekeo, and Bajawa.

"From Maumere, we will then distribute (aid) to Ende, Nagekeo, Bajawa, and several other affected areas," confirmed Air Commodore Somad, Commander of El Tari Kupang Air Force Base, on Sunday.

To reach isolated communities cut off by l...