Earthquake Today: Another massive 6.9-magnitude quake jolts Indonesia hours after 7.7-magnitude tremor kills 38

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday, jolting the country hours after a 7.7-magnitude tremor killed 38 people. The most recent quake occurred at 5:58 am local time, with its epicenter located around 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende city in East Nusa Tenggara province. The main tremor was followed by several aftershocks.

Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency chief Suharyanto reported 38 confirmed deaths, with two people seriously injured, 11 sustaining minor injuries, and approximately 2,000 residents evacuating their homes. In response to the earthquake, authorities issued a tsunami warning, which was later withdrawn by Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency after no significant sea level changes were detected.

Rescue teams continued to search for two villagers believed to be trapped in mud after a landslide triggered by the earthquake. The quake caused extensive damage, bringing down several structures and disrupting power in various cities and villages. This hindered search and rescue efforts, with communication disruptions complicating the situation further.

In Ende regency, landslides blocked the Trans-Flores Highway, a nearly 700-kilometer paved mountain route connecting Labuan Bajo and Larantuka. Local television footage showed patients being evacuated from hospitals as a precautionary measure following the earthquake, while medical staff shifted essential equipment to makeshift treatment facilities.

The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency dispatched a helicopter to aid relief and logistical operations, including potential evacuations. Around 2,000 residents of Nagekeo regency also fled their homes and sought temporary shelter.