Powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake kills at least 38 in Indonesia
A strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Flores island in Indonesia, killing at least 38 people and damaging buildings.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Flores island in Indonesia early Saturday
- The death toll has risen to at least 38 with numerous injuries reported
- Dozens of aftershocks followed, including a strong 6.1-magnitude tremor
- A tsunami warning was issued and later lifted after three hours with no sea level rise
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Flores island shortly before 05:00 local time on Saturday, with a depth of 15km according to the nation's meteorology and geophysics agency. The disaster mitigation agency (BNPB) reported that at least 38 people have been killed, with the official death toll expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue across the affected region.
The initial jolt and dozens of subsequent aftershocks, including a 6.1-magnitude tremor, caused significant structural damage throughout the region. At the port in Maumere, video footage captured large chunks of concrete breaking off the terminal building onto passengers waiting for an inter-island ferry, while others fell into the sea after a gangway collapsed.
Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, governor of East Nusa Tenggara province, stated at a news conference that victims were killed in their sleep by collapsing rubble. He also noted to the BBC that many residents had already fled into the hills following the disaster.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
"They were killed in their sleep by collapsing rubble."
A tsunami warning was immediately issued, prompting a stream of residents to move inland on motorbikes. BNPB estimated that 2,000 people self-evacuated or relocated. The warning was lifted about three hours after the initial jolt as no significant sea level rise was detected.
Indonesia is highly prone to seismic and volcanic activity due to its location along the convergence of three major tectonic plates. Shallow earthquakes, such as this one originating at a depth of 15km, tend to be much more destructive at the surface because seismic waves lose less energy before reaching populated areas.
Preliminary assessments indicated that 54 houses, five healthcare facilities, three places of worship, six government buildings, an educational institution, and a warehouse were severely damaged, with Manggarai province being among the hardest hit. Authorities have advised residents to remain calm, stay away from coastal zones, and avoid damaged structures as aftershocks continue to deter people from returning indoors.
Source: BBC World
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