A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores region early Saturday, killing at least 38 people and injuring 13 others as buildings collapsed and landslides blocked roads across parts of East Nusa Tenggara.
The earthquake triggered widespread panic in coastal communities and prompted authorities to issue a tsunami warning. The alert was later lifted after monitoring showed no significant sea-level changes that posed an ongoing threat to coastal areas.
Strong Earthquake Hits Flores
The earthquake struck at around 5 a.m. local time near Flores in eastern Indonesia. Indonesian authorities recorded the quake at a relatively shallow depth, increasing the intensity of shaking across nearby communities.
The tremor was strongly felt across Flores and surrounding areas, with reports of buildings being damaged or destroyed. Maumere, in Sikka Regency, was among the areas hit particularly hard.
Rescue teams found victims beneath collapsed structures as emergency workers rushed to affected locations. Officials said several people were still trapped in damaged buildings, raising fears that the death toll could increase as search-and-rescue operations continue.
Buildings Collapse, Roads Blocked by Landslides
The earthquake caused extensive damage to homes, public buildings and other structures. In Maumere, parts of the Laurensius Say Port were badly damaged.
Landslides also blocked sections of the Trans-Flores highway, making it difficult for emergency teams to reach some communities close to the epicentre. Power outages and communication disruptions further complicated rescue operations.
Around 2,000 residents evacuated their homes following the earthquake, with many moving to safer locations because of fears of further tremors and a possible tsunami.
Tsunami Warning Lifted
Indonesia’s meteorological and geophysical authorities initially issued a tsunami warning after the powerful offshore earthquake.
The warning was subsequently lifted after monitoring stations found no significant continuing sea-level changes that threatened coastal communities. However, tsunami waves of less than one metre were recorded in some areas, according to reports.
The early warning prompted residents in coastal areas to move toward higher ground, helping authorities reduce the risk to communities while the tsunami threat was being assessed.
Aftershocks Add to Rescue Challenges
The main earthquake was followed by numerous aftershocks, including several strong tremors. Authorities warned residents to remain cautious as damaged buildings could become unstable and further shaking could trigger additional landslides.
Rescue agencies have mobilised personnel and equipment to search collapsed structures, treat injured residents and assess damage. Helicopters and aircraft were also being prepared to assist teams trying to reach difficult-to-access areas.
Indonesia’s Vulnerability to Earthquakes
Indonesia is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area characterised by intense tectonic activity. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are frequent across the country’s many islands.
The latest disaster has once again highlighted the vulnerability of communities in eastern Indonesia, where mountainous terrain and limited infrastructure can make emergency response particularly challenging.
As rescue operations continue across Flores, authorities are assessing the full scale of the destruction and searching for people who may remain trapped or missing.
The situation remains developing, and the number of casualties could change as rescue teams gain access to areas cut off by landslides and damaged roads.
