Indonesia: Dozens dead after earthquake off Flores island
At least 47 people have died and several buildings were damaged after the powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake, which was followed by dozens of aftershocks. A tsunami warning has been lifted.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday, resulting in at least 38 deaths and widespread panic. Buildings and homes collapsed in the region, known for its susceptibility to seismic events. A tsunami warning was issued but later lifted, with no significant sea level changes detected. Aftershocks, including one of magnitude 6.1, continued to be felt.
Indonesian authorities reported no significant sea level changes indicating a tsunami. The earthquake's epicenter was off the north coast of Flores, approximately 42 miles northwest of the coastal town of Ende. Rescuers found 20 people dead, six severely injured, and two trapped under rubble in Maumere, the main town in Sikka regency on Flores Island.
A video showed a building collapse with people running in the street. Yulian Juita Ekalia, a university professor from more than 60 miles from the epicenter, described the earthquake as the biggest he had ever felt. Road access was blocked by landslides, and communications were disrupted in Nagekeo, the region closest to the epicenter.
The police chief of East Nusa Tenggara province reported power cuts that hindered communication among cities and villages, complicating rescue efforts. Landslides in Ende regency blocked the Trans-Flores highway, a crucial 435-mile mountain road. Nagekeo residents rushed to higher ground upon feeling the earthquake.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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