7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Kills 20, Damages Buildings in Indonesia's Flores Region

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores island early Saturday, killing at least 20 people and damaging buildings and homes across parts of East Nusa Tenggara province. The earthquake struck at 5:58 am local time at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to the US Geological Survey. Its epicentre was located about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende, with strong shaking reported across the region.

Videos circulating on social media showed buildings collapsing and residents fleeing in panic as the ground shook. Residents in areas including Nagekeo and Sikka reported damage to buildings and public facilities. A resident in Nagekeo said people rushed out of their homes and evacuated towards higher ground. Another resident in Sikka reported that several structures were damaged, including the waiting room at a port terminal in Maumere.

The earthquake briefly triggered a tsunami warning, prompting authorities to urge residents in coastal areas to immediately move away from the shore. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency warned of the possibility of tsunami waves, while disaster management officials advised residents to move at least two kilometres inland or to areas more than 10 metres above sea level. The tsunami warning was later lifted after authorities assessed the situation.

Also Read: Indonesia Hit By 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake, Two Dead, Tsunami Warning Lifted

The earthquake also caused disruption at local healthcare facilities, with patients fleeing a hospital after the strong tremors. A hospital customer service official said walls were cracked and people panicked as the shaking began. Rescue teams were deployed to search for victims and assess the extent of the damage, while emergency authorities continued to monitor affected communities for further risks and possible aftershocks.

Flores has experienced deadly earthquakes and tsunamis in the past. In 1992, a magnitude 7 earthquake triggered a tsunami that killed about 2,500 people on Flores. Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area marked by intense seismic and volcanic activity. The country comprises more than 17,000 islands and frequently experiences earthquakes.

Indonesia has also suffered major earthquake disasters in recent decades. A magnitude 9.1 earthquake off Sumatra in 2004 generated a massive tsunami that killed about 220,000 people across the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia. In 2018, earthquakes and subsequent tremors affecting Lombok and neighbouring Sumbawa killed more than 550 people. Authorities are continuing rescue and assessment operations following Saturday’s earthquake, while the cause of the reported structural damage and the full extent of casualties are being assessed.

Also Read: Indonesia Hit By 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake, Two Dead, Tsunami Warning Lifted