Powerful 7.7 earthquake strikes off Indonesia

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia, causing widespread destruction and prompting evacuations. Just hours earlier, a smaller 6.9 earthquake had hit the same region, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. At least 53 people were reported killed, with hundreds more injured and thousands evacuated due to tsunami fears.

Over 300 homes and more than 100 public facilities, including schools, hospitals, and places of worship, were damaged or destroyed. The quake's epicenter was located 60 kilometers north-northwest of Ende on Flores island, at a depth of around 10 kilometers. Strong aftershocks, including magnitudes 6.1 and 5.9, were reported nearby.

Emergency crews, including members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, worked to assess damage and manage evacuations. Initially, a tsunami warning was issued, but it was later canceled.