Indonesia Shaken by 7.7 Magnitude Quake ,Mother Nature Sends Another Brutal Reminder

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesias Flores island early Saturday morning, killing at least five people, according to East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena. The victims were reportedly killed when rubble from collapsing structures fell on them while they were asleep. Search and rescue teams are continuing operations to locate people who may be trapped inside building damaged by the powerful earthquake and its numerous aftershock. Tsunami Warning Issued and Later Lifted The earthquake struck shortly before 05:00 local time at a depth of around 15 kilometres, according to Indonesias Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics agency. Authorities issued a tsunami warning following the earthquake, prompting residents in coastal areas to move inland and toward higher ground. The warning was lifted approximately three hours after the initial earthquake. A number of strong aftershocks were recorded, including one measuring 6.1 magnitude, adding to concerns among residents and emergency responder. Damage Reported in Several Areas The remote and mountainous region faces challenges in assessing the full extent of the damage. Authorities have reported structural damage to buildings, while around 2,000 residents in Nagekeo were evacuated as emergency teams assessed affected communities. Footage from the port in Maumere showed sections of a terminal building collapsing while passengers were waiting to board an inter island ferry. The collapse of a gangway also caused some people to fall into the sea. Following the tsunami warning, residents could be seen leaving coastal areas on motorcycles and moving toward safer location. Authorities Urge Residents to Stay Away From Damaged Buildings Indonesia National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) urged residents to remain calm and avoid coastal areas while assessment continue. Officials also warned people not to enter buildings that had suffered cracks or other structural damage, particularly while aftershocks continue. A rapid assessment is underway to establish the number of casualties and determine the overall scale of destruction. Officials said verified information would be released as it becomes available. Residents Describe Powerful Shaking Residents described being awakened by the intense shaking. Arnold Welianto, a resident of Talibura village in Sikka, said he immediately went to check on his child before leaving the house. He said resident living near the shoreline had already begun moving toward higher ground after the tsunami warning and reports of the sea receding. Many residents have continued staying outside because of fears that further aftershock could damage already weakened building. With search and rescue operations ongoing, authorities are continuing to assess the impact of the earthquake across the affected parts of East Nusa Tenggara.