Death toll reaches 38 after powerful Indonesia earthquake

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook eastern Indonesia early Saturday, resulting in at least 38 deaths and widespread damage, according to the Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency. The tremor, which struck off Flores island, was followed by numerous aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 6.1. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning, but later lifted it, as waves were less than one meter high.

Residents in Nagekeo regency, closest to the epicenter, fled to higher ground due to the panic caused by the earthquake. Landslides blocked access to the area, making rescue efforts difficult. About 2,000 people evacuated their homes, and damage was reported to houses, warehouses, and government facilities. The epicenter was located approximately 68 kilometers northwest of Ende, on the north coast of Flores.

Strong shaking was felt across several provinces in Indonesia, causing traffic congestion and power outages. Indonesian authorities warned of the possibility of tsunami waves following the quake and urged people to seek higher ground. The last significant quake in the region occurred in 2004, causing extensive destruction and a massive tsunami that killed over 220,000 people.