Kupang to Flores flights cancelled following earthquake

Jakarta, Indonesia: No Malaysian citizens have been reported harmed by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Flores in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province at 4:58 AM local time on Saturday. The Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta confirmed they reached out to registered Malaysians in NTT and tourists who contacted the embassy about their location in the area.

As of noon local time, there were no incidents involving Malaysian nationals, according to the embassy's statement. Those affected seeking consular help can reach the embassy at +62 813 8081 3036 or email mwjakarta@kln.gov.my. The embassy expressed sympathy for those impacted and hoped the authorities' efforts to handle the situation would continue smoothly.

The earthquake's epicenter was in the sea approximately 30 km from Mbay at a depth of 15 km, triggering a tsunami warning. However, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency lifted the warning at 7:31 AM after monitoring revealed no significant sea level rise. The National Disaster Management Agency reported about 2,000 residents were evacuated or fled to safety due to the earthquake on Flores Island.

Initially, the Maumere Search and Rescue Office announced a death toll of 20, with six injured and two others still trapped.