Jakarta: A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island early Saturday, killing at least 20 people, damaging buildings and forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes as emergency teams searched through rubble for survivors.
The earthquake struck at about 5:58 a.m. local time, with the epicenter located roughly 68 kilometers northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province. The earthquake was shallow, at a depth of about 10 kilometers, which made the shaking particularly strong in nearby communities.
The first reports gave a lower magnitude of 6.9, but the earthquake was later measured at magnitude 7.7 by Indonesia’s geological authorities and the US Geological Survey. The change in the reported magnitude came as seismologists continued to analyze the powerful tremor.
The earthquake caused severe shaking across parts of Flores and surrounding islands. Buildings collapsed in several areas, while homes, warehouses and government facilities were damaged. In Maumere, the main town in Sikka Regency, people rushed into the streets as buildings shook and some structures collapsed.
At least 20 people have been confirmed dead, according to the latest reports, while several others were injured. Rescue workers were still searching damaged buildings and areas affected by landslides, meaning the number of casualties could change as emergency teams reach more communities.
Some of the victims were trapped under collapsed buildings. Authorities also reported landslides that blocked roads and made it difficult for rescue teams to reach areas near the earthquake’s epicenter.
The earthquake also caused widespread disruption to electricity and communications. In some communities, power outages made it harder for residents to contact relatives and emergency services. Traffic was also affected as people moved away from damaged areas and sought safer locations.
Around 2,000 residents in Nagekeo Regency were reported to have evacuated after the earthquake. Many people moved to higher ground or gathered in open areas because of concerns about further shaking and the possibility of a tsunami.
A tsunami warning was issued shortly after the earthquake. Authorities initially urged people living along vulnerable coastlines to move to safer areas while officials monitored changes in sea levels.
The tsunami warning was later lifted after the immediate threat had passed. However, small tsunami waves were recorded in several coastal locations. The largest reported wave reached about 94 centimeters at Maurole in Ende. Smaller waves were also observed at other locations along the affected coast.
The earthquake was followed by several strong aftershocks, adding to fears among residents who were already outside their homes. One of the stronger aftershocks was measured at about magnitude 6.1, while other tremors were also recorded in the region.
Hospitals in affected areas also took precautions. In Ende, patients were moved outside after concerns were raised about the safety of medical buildings. Emergency medical teams continued treating people while authorities assessed damage to health facilities and other important infrastructure.
The earthquake caused particular concern because Flores is located in one of the most earthquake prone parts of Indonesia. The country lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area where several tectonic plates meet and where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common.
The Flores region has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past. The 1992 Flores earthquake and tsunami killed thousands of people and caused widespread destruction, including severe damage around Maumere. The memory of that disaster remains strong among communities in the region.
Authorities have urged residents not to return to damaged buildings because further aftershocks could cause weakened structures to collapse. Emergency workers are continuing to inspect buildings, clear roads and search for people who may still be trapped.
The full extent of the damage is not yet known. Some areas remain difficult to reach because of landslides, damaged roads and communication problems. Rescue and assessment teams are expected to provide more information as they reach isolated communities.
For residents across Flores, Saturday began with a sudden and frightening reminder of the natural hazards facing the island. Thousands have spent the day outside their homes, waiting for the shaking to settle and for authorities to determine whether their communities are safe.
The immediate tsunami threat has ended, but emergency operations remain underway as Indonesia continues to assess the human and material cost of one of the strongest earthquakes to strike the region in recent years.