Earthquake survivors 'still on alert' after dozens killed in Indonesia

A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia, killing at least 47 people and causing panic among residents and tourists. The disaster management agency warned that people were still trapped in buildings, and rescue teams were searching for survivors. In the hardest-hit area of Sikka, temporary shelters were being set up, and officials urged people to avoid damaged buildings.

A second strong quake was recorded on Sumatra island nearly 16 hours later, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties there. Authorities prepared helicopters and a plane to aid in rescue operations. The governor of East Nusa Tenggara province, Melki Laka Lena, said the northern Flores island was the worst-impacted area, and the death toll could rise as search operations continued.

The earthquake triggered a tsunami warning, with waves of less than one meter recorded in several areas. Indonesia's disaster management agency reported that over 2,000 people had evacuated their homes. Local organizations provided psychological support to traumatized communities, while some residents remained wary of further earthquakes and tsunamis.