Indonesia was jolted by another powerful earthquake on Saturday after a devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the country’s eastern region earlier in the day, killing at least 38 people and leaving several others injured.
The latest earthquake, measuring 6.9 magnitude, struck western Sumatra near Pematangsiantar, around 126 kilometres southeast of Medan, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake occurred at a depth of about 183 kilometres. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage from the second earthquake, and no tsunami warning was issued.
Deadly 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Flores
Earlier, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores in eastern Indonesia shortly before 5 a.m. local time.
The shallow earthquake caused widespread destruction across parts of East Nusa Tenggara, with buildings collapsing and landslides blocking roads. The town of Maumere was among the worst-affected areas, where rescuers recovered numerous bodies from damaged buildings and landslide zones.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency reported at least 38 deaths, while several people were injured and others remained missing as rescue operations continued.
The earthquake also disrupted electricity and communications in affected areas, complicating efforts to reach remote communities. Landslides blocked parts of the Trans-Flores highway, making it difficult for emergency teams to access some of the worst-hit locations.
Tsunami Warning Issued and Later Lifted
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake initially prompted Indonesian authorities to issue a tsunami warning, sending thousands of residents toward higher ground.
The warning was later lifted after monitoring showed no significant sea-level changes posing an ongoing threat. Small tsunami waves of less than one metre were recorded in some locations.
Authorities continued to warn residents to remain alert because aftershocks were still being recorded in the region.
Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency response agencies have been deployed to assess the damage, search for survivors and provide medical assistance.
More than 2,000 residents reportedly evacuated from affected areas, while rescue teams faced difficulties because of landslides, damaged roads and power outages. Helicopters and other emergency resources were being deployed to assist communities that remained difficult to reach.
Officials have urged people to rely on information from Indonesia’s official disaster-management and geological agencies and avoid spreading unverified reports.
Indonesia’s Exposure to Earthquakes
Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active regions. The country regularly experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity because of the complex movement of several tectonic plates.
The back-to-back earthquakes on Saturday have heightened concerns among residents, particularly those already affected by the deadly Flores earthquake.
Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and search for people who may still be trapped beneath collapsed structures or affected by landslides. The death toll could change as rescue teams gain access to remote areas.
The situation remains developing, with officials continuing to monitor aftershocks and assess the full impact of the earthquakes across Indonesia.
