Strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia, triggering tsunami warning
Quake hit Indonesia’s Flores region with a depth of 10km early on Saturday morning A powerful 7.7-magnitude quake struck eastern Indonesia early on Saturday, the US Geological Survey said, triggering a tsunami warning and prompting hundreds to evacuate. The shallow quake hit Indonesia’s Flores region with a depth of 10km at 5:58am local time and was followed by two aftershocks, including one with…
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia early Saturday, resulting in at least 47 deaths and widespread destruction. The quake triggered a tsunami warning, though it was later lifted. Rescue efforts are underway, but access to the hardest-hit Nagekeo area is hampered by landslides and disrupted communications.
Authorities recorded 235 aftershocks, including one of magnitude 6.1. Coastal waves up to 1.5 meters high were reported in several regions. The Indonesian geophysics agency BMKG noted the initial quake at 4:58am local time, 9 miles deep in Flores region. Another quake of magnitude 6.1 occurred off northern Sumatra hours later with no reported casualties.
Damage assessments show 346 homes, 87 schools, and over a dozen health facilities affected. Video footage from Maumere port showed a building collapse and panicked residents fleeing streets. An official described the quake as the biggest they had ever experienced. Indonesian authorities are gathering data on casualties and damage while residents evacuate to safer ground.
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