A major earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck near Indonesia's island of Flores on Saturday morning, killing at least 38 people and injuring many others. The earthquake caused destruction, with buildings and houses collapsing, landslides, and forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes.
The earthquake hit an area known for frequent seismic activity. Authorities initially issued a tsunami alert for some provinces, but it was later cancelled as no significant rise in water levels was reported.
38 Dead, Several Others Injured
According to the head of Indonesia's national disaster agency, Suharyanto, rescue workers recovered at least 38 bodies from the most affected areas. The majority of the victims were found in the Sikka, Manggarai, and East Manggarai regencies. Sixteen bodies were retrieved from a landslide in Reok village, Manggarai.
At least 13 people have been hospitalized, with two in serious condition.
Earthquake Struck Near Ende
The US Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at approximately 5:58 am local time at a depth of about 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located about 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende in the East Nusa Tenggara province.
The main earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks, increasing fear among residents.
Thousands Flee to Temporary Shelters
Around 2,000 residents in the Nagekeo regency reportedly evacuated their homes and moved to temporary shelters. The powerful shaking caused panic across Flores Island, prompting residents to rush outdoors and seek safer areas. In some coastal and riverside areas, residents were advised to move away following the tsunami warning.
Tsunami Warning Later Lifted
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, advising coastal residents to move to higher ground. The warning was subsequently lifted after monitoring indicated no significant sea level changes that posed a threat.
Landslides Cut Off Trans-Flores Highway
The earthquake also triggered landslides in parts of the Ende regency, disrupting traffic on the Trans-Flores highway. This approximately 700-kilometer road is a crucial route across Flores Island, connecting Labuan Bajo and Larantuka.
Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief Rudi Darmoko stated that landslides and power outages complicated rescue efforts. Communication disruptions also hindered the flow of information from some of the hardest-hit areas.
Footage from local television showed patients being moved out of hospital buildings as a precaution. Medical staff relocated beds, oxygen cylinders, IV stands, and other equipment outdoors to establish temporary treatment areas due to concerns about damaged structures and ongoing aftershocks.
Helicopters and Rescue Vessel Deployed
Authorities deployed three helicopters and a rescue vessel to aid in emergency operations. These resources are being utilized for transporting supplies, supporting rescue teams, and facilitating potential evacuations.
