Indonesia earthquake death toll jumps to 20 as rescuers search rubble

MAUMERE, Aug 15 — The death toll from a powerful earthquake off Flores island in eastern Indonesia has risen to at least 20, according to rescue officials. Over 4,000 people fled their homes as rescue teams searched for survivors amid aftershocks measuring 6.1. Fathur Rahman, a rescue official, stated that 20 people have been confirmed dead in four towns on the tourist-popular island, six are injured, and two are still buried under rubble.

Two people were trapped alive under debris in the neighboring Manggarai regency. The rescue effort has been hampered by landslides blocking several roads. People in the area closest to the epicentre, Nagekeo, raced to higher ground, fearing a possible tsunami. A tsunami warning was later lifted, but residents were warned against returning to damaged buildings due to potential aftershocks.

Several aftershocks, with the strongest measuring 6.1, have already been felt. The quake's epicenter was located off the north coast of Flores, about 68 kilometers northwest of the coastal town of Ende.