A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores island, Indonesia, early Saturday, killing at least 47 people and triggering a tsunami warning that was later lifted. The quake, which occurred at 5:58 a.m. local time with a depth of 10 km, was followed by over 230 aftershocks, including a 6.1-magnitude tremor.
Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities assess damage in the Sikka, Manggarai, and East Manggarai regencies, where buildings collapsed and landslides blocked roads. Tsunami waves up to 1.6 meters were recorded in Riung village, though no significant coastal flooding occurred. Communication disruptions and power outages have hampered relief efforts.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency initially issued a tsunami warning for parts of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi, urging residents to evacuate coastal areas. The warning was rescinded after no significant sea-level changes were detected. Evacuations were carried out as a precaution, with 2,000 residents in Nagekeo Regency moving to higher ground.
Officials report severe infrastructure damage, including collapsed buildings in Maumere and Ende. Search and rescue teams, including military personnel, are searching for two missing individuals believed buried in a landslide. Hospitals evacuated patients as a precaution, with medical staff setting up temporary treatment areas outdoors.
The earthquake occurred along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone where tectonic plates converge. A separate 6.9-magnitude quake struck Sumatra at a depth of 172 km, causing minimal damage. Over 35 earthquakes above 1.5 magnitude were recorded in Indonesia within 24 hours.
Local residents described panic as shaking lasted several minutes, with many fleeing to elevated areas. Yohanes Babo, a resident of Nagekeo, recounted: “The shaking was strong. People were panicking, running here and there.” Lukas Lotar, a hospital worker, reported cracked walls and fleeing patients.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of damage, with casualty numbers expected to rise as rescue teams reach isolated areas. Power and communication restoration remains a priority to facilitate ongoing relief efforts.