Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes off Indonesia
A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia on Saturday, claiming at least 38 lives and triggering numerous aftershocks and tsunami waves measuring less than a meter, according to rescue teams seeking to reach impacted areas. The tsunami warning was lifted about three hours post-earthquake, following waves of less than 1 meter recorded in several parts of the nation.
An additional 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia in the afternoon, heightening concerns in a country already grappling with the aftermath of the morning quake. As of 15:00 GMT, the death toll stood at 38, with two people seriously injured and eleven with minor injuries. Rescue workers in Maumere, the main town in Sikka Regency on Flores Island, recovered 20 bodies and found six injured individuals; two others remained trapped under debris.
Landslides compounded the challenges, blocking roads and impeding rescue operations. Communications remained disrupted in Nagekeo, the region closest to the epicenter, where residents were evacuated, and damage to buildings was reported.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
