Powerful earthquake strikes Indonesia, killing dozens and triggering landslides

Labuan Bajo, Indonesia (AP) - Rescue crews combed through rubble and landslide debris on Sunday in eastern Indonesia, searching for victims and possible survivors following a powerful earthquake that killed at least 47 people, injured over 100 and displaced thousands. The magnitude 7.7 quake struck 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province, causing widespread damage across six regencies on Flores island.

At least 24 fatalities were reported in Manggarai regency, 17 in East Manggarai, with additional deaths in Sikka, Ngada and Ende regencies. The USGS reported the quake's epicenter was about 10 kilometers off Flores' coast. Over 900 homes were destroyed, and nearly 450 more were damaged, displacing approximately 5,000 people into temporary shelters.

Communication disruptions and power outages persist, hindering rescue operations in remote villages isolated by landslides. Authorities are distributing food, water, blankets, and medical supplies while restoring electricity and communications, and setting up emergency shelters for the displaced. The quake also hit Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, blocking sections of the Trans-Flores Highway and prompting residents to sleep outdoors due to fear of aftershocks.