Powerful quakes rock Indonesia, leaving 40 dead on Flores Island

At least 47 people were killed when a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Indonesia on Saturday, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. Rescue teams discovered 20 fatalities, six injuries, and two individuals trapped under debris in Maumere, the main town in Sikka Regency on Flores Island.

Communication systems were disrupted, and roads leading to Nagekeo, the region closest to the quake's epicenter, were obstructed by landslides. Authorities managed to evacuate about 2,000 residents to safety.

Damage was reported to homes, warehouses, and government buildings in Nagekeo. Traffic congestion and power outages were also noted in the region. East Nusa Tenggara's Governor, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, confirmed that five individuals died when their dwelling collapsed during the night. The quake's impact was described as massive, with residents fleeing their homes in fear.

Preliminary data indicated that 157 homes were severely damaged, 41 moderately damaged, and 148 lightly damaged. Schools, health facilities, places of worship, and office buildings also suffered from the disaster. Tremors were felt across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and parts of South Sulawesi, lasting approximately one minute. Tsunami waves below one meter were observed in several areas following the initial tremor, though the warning was canceled after three hours.

The Indonesian geophysics agency BMKG registered the initial quake at a depth of 15 kilometers, followed by numerous aftershocks. A similar magnitude-7.5 earthquake devastated the same area in 1992. Indonesia lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active region where tectonic plates converge, resulting in frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The United Arab Emirates conveyed its condolences and sympathy to Indonesia, wishing for a swift recovery for the injured.