Powerful earthquake rocks Indonesia, causing chaos and casualties
This devastating earthquake has struck at a moment when many in Indonesia are still recovering from past tragedies. The resilience of the Flores community is being tested yet again as they band together to face the aftermath of this disaster.
A powerful earthquake struck off Flores island in eastern Indonesia on Saturday, killing 20 people and injuring at least six others. Rescue teams combed through debris to find survivors amidst landslides that blocked roads. Many residents fled to higher ground as the sea retreated, showing signs of a possible tsunami, though the warning was later lifted.
The epicentre was located off the north coast of Flores island, with authorities still assessing the extent of the damage. The area is largely rural and has few high-rise buildings. The quake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, was felt by residents who described it as terrifying, with objects falling from shelves and buildings cracking.
Authorities urged people not to return to damaged buildings due to aftershocks. The death toll was updated to 38, with two seriously injured, 11 sustaining minor injuries, and about 2,000 people evacuated on their own.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
