Powerful earthquake strikes off Indonesia, tsunami warning lifted
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake off Flores island in eastern Indonesia triggered a tsunami warning - later lifted - and prompted hundreds to evacuate.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island in Indonesia on August 15, claiming at least 38 lives and injuring 13, including two seriously. Disaster official Suharyanto stated that victims are trapped in several buildings, with rescue efforts already underway. Two helicopters and a plane are being prepared for rescue operations.
The quake also caused damage to several houses and other structures. Approximately 2,000 residents evacuated their homes. Yulian Juita Ekalia, a Ruteng city resident, described the earthquake as "the biggest" she had ever experienced, likening the shaking to being on a trampoline. Another 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Northern Sumatra later the same day. Indonesia is prone to frequent earthquakes due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
