Indonesia: Strong earthquake hits off coast of Flores island

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia on Saturday, resulting in at least 47 deaths and extensive building damage, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. The epicenter of the shallow quake, located 10 kilometers off the coast of Flores Island, was recorded at a depth of 15 kilometers by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

Tsunami waves measuring less than one meter were detected in several regions before the warning was ultimately lifted three hours later. The initial tremor was followed by numerous aftershocks, including one of magnitude 6.1. Video clips from Maumere, the primary town in Sikka Regency on Flores Island, depicted buildings crumbling and residents fleeing in alarm.

Yohanna Embu, a Sikka resident, reported that a terminal waiting room had collapsed. The earthquake prompted BMKG to issue tsunami warnings for multiple provinces, advising the public to stay away from coastal areas. Communication challenges hindered rescue efforts, as power outages disrupted rescue operations in several cities and villages.

Hospitals evacuated patients for safety, and at least one priest sustained a broken leg after jumping from a building during the quake. The region, situated on the Pacific Basin's "Ring of Fire," is known for its frequent seismic activity.