Indonesia earthquake kills at least 38 as rescue operation continues

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia's Flores island early Saturday morning, resulting in more than a dozen fatalities and widespread damage. The quake, centered about 68 kilometers northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province, triggered a series of aftershocks. Initially, a tsunami warning was issued, but it was subsequently lifted. Waves up to 1 meter high were observed in Maurole, Ende.

Flores, a mountainous island in the Sunda chain, is home to vibrant volcanic lakes and serves as a gateway to the Komodo National Park, where the world's largest lizards reside. Approximately 2 million people inhabit the island, largely residing in small villages.

The earthquake caused significant damage to healthcare facilities, schools, government offices, and more than 50 residences. Videos on social media captured buildings collapsing and residents fleeing in panic, with dust filling the air. In Maumere, a coastal town, one resident, Theresia Uta, recounted her experience of holding onto a tree for 10 minutes during the shaking.

Rev. Guidelbertus Tanga, rector of the Roman Catholic St. Peter Major Seminary in Sikka, reported that the roof of an assembly hall collapsed during the quake, forcing people to flee in terror. One priest sustained a broken leg after leaping from the second floor of a building. Nona, a 51-year-old resident of Talibura, described the quake as "massive," with her family hastily evacuating their home.

A 16-year-old resident of the same area, Yoan Rinto, stated that it was his first encounter with such a powerful earthquake. Despite feeling panicked and concerned, he remained in a state of shock. About 2,000 residents of Nagekeo regency opted to evacuate as a precautionary measure following the seismic event.