Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes off Indonesia’s coast, killing at least 40 and toppling buildings

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early Saturday, causing widespread damage and at least two fatalities. The U.S Geological Survey reported the quake hit the Flores region with a depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located 68 km north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning but later lifted it after monitoring showed no significant sea-level changes.

Reports indicated severe damage from the quake, with buildings collapsing and people panicking. Hospitals evacuated patients and set up temporary treatment areas. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency initially issued the warning, identifying the shallow undersea quake near Flores island.