Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes off Indonesia, killing at least two

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake rocked Indonesia's Flores region early Saturday morning, resulting in at least two deaths, two injuries, and significant structural damage. The shallow quake triggered widespread panic and panic across the island, prompting hospitals to evacuate patients and create temporary treatment areas outdoors. Initially, authorities issued a tsunami warning for several areas, but lifted it later after confirming no significant sea level changes.

Residents were instructed to move to higher ground and stay away from beaches and riverbanks. The quake struck at 5.58 AM local time, 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara, with a depth of 10 kilometers. A man was seen examining the damage to a building, and heavy damage was reported across Flores. Heavy damage was reported on Flores, with reports of significant damage in affected areas, as shown by local television footage of patients being evacuated from hospitals and buildings collapsing.