Rescue teams in Indonesia are searching for survivors after a powerful earthquake struck the island of Flores on Saturday, leaving at least 47 people dead and causing widespread damage across several provinces.
The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck shortly before 05:00 local time, with a depth of about 15 kilometres, according to Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that more than 900 homes and hundreds of other buildings were severely damaged, while 341 aftershocks were recorded.
Manggarai Among the Worst-Affected Areas
The earthquake caused casualties across several parts of East Nusa Tenggara. Preliminary figures recorded 24 deaths in Manggarai, 17 in East Manggarai, three in Sikka and at least one each in Ngada, Ende and West Manggarai.
At least two people were seriously injured and another 11 suffered minor injuries.
Officials warned that the full extent of the destruction remains unclear because many affected communities are located in remote and mountainous areas.
Thousands Evacuated
More than 5,000 people were staying in evacuation shelters as authorities worked to provide essential supplies. The BNPB said around 10,500 aid packages had been dispatched to affected communities.
Authorities said meeting the basic needs of displaced residents and ensuring the delivery of logistical supplies were among the main priorities of the emergency response.
Early assessments indicated that more than 150 homes had been severely damaged, along with educational institutions, healthcare facilities, places of worship, government offices and other public infrastructure.
Buildings Collapse as Residents Flee
The earthquake caused significant disruption in coastal communities. Footage from the port in Maumere showed section of a terminal building collapsing onto people waiting to board an inter island ferry.
Some people were reportedly thrown into the sea after a gangway collapsed.
East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said some victims were killed while sleeping when buildings collapsed.
Residents in other areas described being suddenly awakened by the shaking. Arnold Welianto, who lives in Talibura near the coast in Sikka, said he immediately went to check on his child after being startled awake.
Tsunami Warning Later Lifted
A tsunami warning was initially issued following the earthquake, prompting around 2,000 people to evacuate to safer areas.
The warning was lifted roughly three hours after the earthquake after authorities detected no significant rise in sea levels.
Despite the lifting of the warning, officials continued advising resident to remain cautious and stay away from coastal areas and buildings that had been damaged.
Landslides Complicate Rescue Efforts
The earthquake also triggered landslides, blocking access to some village and making rescue and assessment operations more difficult.
Emergency teams continued searching damaged structures for people who may have been trapped. A temporary medical facility was also established outside a hospital in Ruteng to treat people injured in the disaster.
The difficult mountainous terrain means authorities expect the assessment of damage and casualties to take time.
Another Earthquake Highlights Indonesia’s Seismic Risk
The disaster was followed by news of another magnitude 6.9 earthquake elsewhere in Indonesia, underscoring the country exposure to seismic activity.
Indonesia lies along the boundaries of several major tectonic plates and forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Rescue and Relief Efforts Continue
For now, rescue operations, medical treatment and assistance to displaced residents remain the immediate priorities.
Authorities have urged people to remain calm, avoid damaged structures and follow official instructions, particularly in coastal areas.
As rescue teams continue working across affected communities, officials are expected to obtain a clearer picture of the earthquake overall impact in the coming day.