At least 5 dead after powerful earthquake strikes Indonesia
Indonesian authorities issued, then lifted, a tsunami warning after the powerful earthquake hit Saturday morning.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck offshore of Indonesia early Saturday, resulting in at least five fatalities and widespread panic in a region prone to dangerous seismic activity. The U.S Geological Survey reported the quake's epicenter was 42 miles north-northwest of Ende, East Nusa Tenggara province. Authorities issued a tsunami warning, which was later canceled due to the absence of significant sea-level changes.
The initial quake was followed by several aftershocks. East Nusa Tenggara police chief Rudi Darmoko stated that two deaths were reported in Sikka Regency and three in Manggarai Regency, with severe damage to buildings and communication disruptions hampering rescue efforts. Footage showed patients being evacuated from hospitals as a precaution, with staff moving equipment outdoors and setting up temporary treatment areas.
Residents reported damaged buildings, including the collapse of a waiting room at a port terminal in Maumere and a collapsed roof at St. Peter Major Seminary during morning Mass. One priest sustained a broken leg after jumping from the second floor during the quake. The tremor also caused panic in Bima, a city in West Nusa Tenggara province, and damages were reported in parts of southern Sulawesi island.
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