Magnitude-7.7 Quake Strikes Indonesia’s Flores Region, Killing At Least 20

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake rocked Indonesia’s Flores region early Saturday, killing at least 20 people and injuring others as buildings collapsed and landslides blocked access to areas hit, authorities said.

The quake occurred just before 5 a.m. local time in East Nusa Tenggara province. Indonesia’s meteorology and geophysics agency reported that the quake struck at a depth of about 15 kilometres. The shallow depth increased the likelihood of violent shaking and damage near the epicentre.

The strongest effects were reported across parts of Flores, including the regencies of Sikka, Manggarai and East Manggarai. Maumere, the main town in Sikka Regency, was among the areas affected, with rescuers searching damaged buildings and responding to people trapped beneath rubble. Landslides also obstructed access to some areas near the epicentre and disrupted communications.

The quake prompted a tsunami warning, and residents were told to get away from the coast or to higher ground. Officials announced that the major tsunami threat had passed, and they lifted the warning about three hours later. These reports indicated that minor tsunami waves of less than one metre were observed.

The national disaster agency, BNPB, initially reported fewer casualties as authorities began assessing the damage. Later, the death toll rose as rescue teams reached more areas affected by the disaster. Because search and rescue operations were continuing, officials warned that casualty figures could change.

Video from the port in Maumere showed sections of a terminal building breaking away as passengers waited to board a ferry. There were also reports of damage to homes and public infrastructure, and some areas lost power and communications.

Residents said there was strong shaking and widespread fear after the main quake and the aftershocks. Others stayed outside, worried about aftershocks and the safety of damaged buildings.

Emergency teams were still assessing damage and searching for survivors in remote mountainous areas of Flores. Authorities urged residents to remain cautious, avoid damaged structures and follow official instructions, particularly in coastal areas.

Indonesia is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, as it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet.