A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday, killing at least 47 people and causing widespread destruction across parts of East Nusa Tenggara.
The earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island at around 5:58 a.m. local time, with the epicentre located about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quake at a depth of about 10 kilometres.
The powerful tremor caused buildings and homes to collapse, triggered landslides and damaged roads and other infrastructure. Rescue operations have been complicated by blocked roads, power outages and disrupted communications.
The death toll initially stood at 38 before authorities reported that it had risen to 47, with more people injured and the possibility of further casualties as rescue teams reach affected areas.
Tsunami Warning Lifted
Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning and urged residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground.
The warning was later lifted after Indonesia’s meteorological agency reported that monitoring had not detected significant sea-level changes posing a continuing tsunami threat. However, smaller tsunami waves were recorded in some areas, with the highest reported wave reaching about 1.6 metres.
The earthquake was followed by more than 235 aftershocks, including several strong tremors, further alarming residents and complicating rescue efforts.
Thousands Displaced
Around 2,000 residents evacuated affected areas as authorities assessed the damage and responded to the disaster. More homes and public facilities were reported damaged as rescue teams continued searching for people who may still be trapped.
Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active regions, making the country particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Emergency teams continue to clear roads, assess damaged buildings and provide assistance to affected communities as authorities work to establish the full extent of the disaster.
