Another strong earthquake strikes Indonesia after 7.7 magnitude quake

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook northern Sumatra, Indonesia on Saturday, less than 24 hours after a more devastating 7.7-magnitude quake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia. The German Research Centre for Geosciences reported the latest quake occurred at a depth of 158 km.

Earlier that day, the 7.7-magnitude tremor hit near the Flores region, prompting a tsunami warning for parts of East Nusa Tenggara. The epicenter was located at 8.557°S latitude and 121.181°E longitude, with the quake striking at approximately 3.28am IST.

The powerful earthquake triggered landslides and power outages, while disrupting communications in the affected region. Rescue teams had not yet reached Nagekeo, the area closest to the epicenter, as landslides blocked access to the region. Video footage and images shared on social media showed buildings reduced to rubble, thick clouds of dust emanating from collapsed structures and people fleeing in panic as the ground shook violently.

Nona, a 51-year-old resident of Talibura, recounted the terrifying experience: "The quake was massive, the shock was so strong, we were resting at home with family. There were 13 of us inside the house and we all ran to save ourselves." At least 13 people were injured, including two seriously, and about 2,000 residents fled their homes to seek refuge in temporary shelters, according to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency.

Fathur Rahman, head of the Maumere Search and Rescue Agency, said rescuers were still searching for two villagers believed to be trapped under mud following a landslide caused by the earthquake.