At least 38 people have died following a strong 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Indonesia's Flores Island early Saturday morning. The tremor caused widespread damage, triggered multiple aftershocks, and forced thousands to evacuate their homes amid fears of a tsunami.
The quake occurred just before 5 a.m. local time at a shallow depth of approximately 15 kilometres, intensifying its destructive impact on the surface. The epicentre was located around 1,000 kilometres from Bali.
Extent of Damage
Buildings across the region suffered significant damage, with dozens collapsing or sustaining serious structural issues. In Maumere, footage showed large concrete sections falling from a port terminal, injuring passengers and causing some to be thrown into the sea when a gangway collapsed.
East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena reported that some victims died in their sleep when debris from collapsing buildings struck them. Preliminary assessments revealed severe damage to 54 houses, five healthcare facilities, three places of worship, six government buildings, one school, and a warehouse. Manggarai province was notably affected.
Evacuations and Tsunami Warning
The powerful shaking and ongoing aftershocks, including a 6.1-magnitude event, sparked panic among residents who evacuated to higher ground. Many noticed the sea receding, a common tsunami indicator, leading to further alarm.
Authorities issued a tsunami warning that remained in place for about three hours before being lifted after no significant sea level changes were detected. Approximately 2,000 people relocated or evacuated independently during this period.
Officials urged the public to stay calm and avoid coastal areas and structurally compromised buildings.
Geological Context
Indonesia is prone to seismic activity due to its position at the convergence of three major tectonic plates, making earthquakes and volcanic eruptions a frequent hazard.
