Rescuers search for survivors as Indonesian quake death toll rises to 40
MAUMERE: Rescuers combed through debris for survivors on Saturday after a powerful earthquake struck off Indonesia’s eastern Flores island, killing at least 40 people, according to a disaster official. A second strong quake was recorded thousands of kilometres away on Sumatra island in the west of the archipelago 12 hours later, but there were no initial reports of damage or casualties there.…
Indonesia's eastern Flores island experienced a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday, resulting in at least 40 deaths and 50 injuries, according to the disaster official. A second strong quake occurred 12 hours later on Sumatra island, but there have been no initial reports of damage or casualties. Rescue teams are combing through debris for survivors, with about 2,000 people evacuated from their homes.
Landslides have blocked roads, complicating rescue efforts. A possible tsunami warning was later lifted, but authorities urged residents not to return to damaged buildings. The epicentre of the shallow quake was located off the north coast of Flores island, and the area is largely rural with few high-rise buildings. The 7.7-magnitude earthquake is one of the strongest in recent memory for the region, which is known for frequent seismic activity due to its location in the Pacific "Ring of Fire."
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