Powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake kills at least 38 in Indonesia
At Least 38 Dead After Powerful 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Indonesia
At least 38 people have died after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia early Saturday, according to the country’s disaster mitigation authorities.
The reported death toll continued to increase as emergency crews began search-and-rescue operations across affected areas. The BNPB disaster agency also reported that numerous people suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious.
The earthquake caused widespread damage to buildings, with additional destruction reported after a series of strong aftershocks.
The main earthquake struck the island of Flores shortly before 5 a.m. local time Saturday, or around 10 p.m. GMT Friday. Indonesia’s meteorology and geophysics agency said the quake originated at a depth of about 15 kilometers. Earthquakes occurring relatively close to the surface can cause more severe damage in populated areas.
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Several strong aftershocks followed the initial earthquake, including one measured at magnitude 6.1.
Dramatic footage from the port in Maumere showed sections of concrete falling from a terminal building as passengers waited to board a ferry. The collapse of a gangway also caused several people to fall into the water.
East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said some victims were killed while sleeping when buildings and debris collapsed around them.
Residents described scenes of panic as the ground shook violently. Arnold Welianto, who lives in Talibura near the coast in Sikka, said the shaking woke him suddenly and prompted him to immediately check on his child.
Welianto said many residents had already moved toward higher ground. He also described widespread concern after the sea appeared to pull back from the shoreline.
A tsunami warning was issued following the earthquake, prompting residents to move inland. The warning was lifted roughly three hours later after authorities detected no significant rise in sea levels.
BNPB said approximately 2,000 people had evacuated or moved to safer locations on their own following the warning.
The agency initially reported fatalities across several provinces, including Sikka, Manggarai, and East Manggarai. Authorities also reported several serious injuries and additional people with less severe injuries.
Many residents remained outside rather than returning home because of continuing tremors and fears that weakened structures could collapse.
Yulian Juita Ekalia, a university lecturer living in Ruteng west of the earthquake’s epicenter, said she moved her cooking equipment outdoors because she was worried about additional shaking.
The full scale of the damage remains unclear, particularly because the affected region is mountainous and difficult for emergency teams to reach.
Initial assessments indicated that at least 54 homes had suffered severe damage. Several health facilities, religious sites, government buildings, an educational facility, and a warehouse were also reportedly affected.
BNPB identified Manggarai as one of the hardest-hit areas and urged residents to remain calm while emergency assessments continued.
Authorities advised people to avoid coastal locations and stay away from buildings or other structures that appear unstable or damaged.
Indonesia frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because the country sits near the boundaries where three major tectonic plates meet.