Jakarta: At least 47 people have died after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island, causing buildings to collapse, triggering landslides and sending thousands of residents fleeing to safety. The disaster was followed hours later by another major earthquake, this time a magnitude 6.9 tremor off northern Sumatra, although there were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage from the second quake.
7.7-Magnitude Quake Strikes Near Flores
The main earthquake struck early Saturday near Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province. The US Geological Survey placed the epicentre about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende, at a depth of roughly 10 kilometres.
The shallow earthquake caused severe shaking across several parts of Flores. Homes and other buildings collapsed, while landslides blocked roads and complicated rescue operations. More than 2,000 people were evacuated from some of the worst-hit areas.
Rescue teams have been searching through rubble for survivors, with some people reported trapped beneath collapsed structures. Access to several communities has been difficult because landslides blocked roads and communications were disrupted.
Buildings, Homes and Public Facilities Damaged
The earthquake caused widespread damage across several regencies, including areas around Maumere and Nagekeo.
Authorities reported extensive destruction of homes and public infrastructure. The Trans-Flores highway was also affected by landslides, making it harder for emergency crews to reach isolated communities.
Hospitals and other facilities were among the buildings affected, forcing some patients and residents to move outdoors as a precaution. More than 100 public facilities, including schools and places of worship, were reported damaged or destroyed.
At a seminary in Sikka, people were attending morning Mass when part of an assembly hall collapsed. The incident caused panic and injuries as people rushed to escape the damaged structure.
Tsunami Warning Issued and Later Lifted
The powerful undersea earthquake initially prompted Indonesian authorities to issue a tsunami warning for coastal areas.
Residents near the coast were urged to move to higher ground as authorities monitored sea levels. The warning was subsequently lifted after monitoring showed that there was no continuing major tsunami threat.
However, smaller tsunami waves were recorded in some locations, with reports of waves reaching more than one metre in parts of the affected region.
Authorities continued to warn residents to remain cautious because strong aftershocks were still being recorded.
More Than 200 Aftershocks Recorded
The main earthquake was followed by a large sequence of aftershocks. Indonesian authorities reported more than 230 aftershocks, with at least one exceeding magnitude 6.
The continuing tremors have increased concerns about additional building collapses and have made rescue operations more difficult.
Residents in affected communities have been reluctant to return to damaged buildings because of the risk posed by further shaking.
Second Major Earthquake Hits Sumatra
Adding to concerns across the country, another strong earthquake struck Indonesia later the same day.
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake was recorded off northern Sumatra, thousands of kilometres from the Flores disaster zone. Initial reports indicated no immediate casualties or significant damage from the Sumatra earthquake.
The two major earthquakes within roughly 12 hours highlighted the intense seismic activity affecting Indonesia, which sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Rescue Operations Continue
Emergency teams are continuing search-and-rescue operations in Flores while authorities assess the full scale of the destruction.
Rescue efforts have been hampered by blocked roads, damaged infrastructure and communication problems. Officials are attempting to reach remote communities and provide medical assistance, food and other emergency supplies.
The death toll could change as rescue teams gain access to areas that remain difficult to reach. Authorities are also assessing damage to homes, schools, hospitals and other essential infrastructure.
Indonesia Remains Highly Vulnerable to Earthquakes
Indonesia is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries because of its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet.
The Flores region has experienced devastating earthquakes before. The latest disaster has once again raised concerns about earthquake preparedness, building safety and emergency response in remote island communities.
For now, rescuers remain focused on finding survivors, treating the injured and helping thousands of displaced residents as aftershocks continue to shake parts of the region.
