Deadly 7.7 Magnitude Quake Hits Indonesia, Tsunami Alert Lifted
Deadly 7.7 Magnitude Quake Hits Indonesia, Tsunami Alert Lifted
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake off Indonesia's Flores region caused widespread devastation, killing at least 38. A tsunami warning was issued then lifted, as aftershocks continue to rattle the region. Stay informed
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early Saturday, causing widespread panic and devastation. The quake, which hit at 5:58 a.m. local time, claimed the lives of at least 38 people and left more than a dozen injured, as buildings and homes collapsed in its wake.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the epicenter was located 68 kilometers (42 miles) north-northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province, at a depth of 10 kilometers (six miles). This initial powerful tremor was followed by several strong aftershocks, further unsettling the already distressed communities.
Immediately following the quake, authorities issued a tsunami warning, urging coastal residents to move to higher ground. However, this warning was later lifted by Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) after monitoring showed no significant sea-level changes that would pose a threat to coastal communities. This brought a sigh of relief to many, though the immediate danger from the quake itself remained.
The head of the National Disaster Management Agency, Suharyanto, confirmed the grim toll, stating that rescuers have recovered at least 38 bodies. Most of the casualties were reported in the three devastated regencies of Sikka, Manggarai, and East Manggarai, with 16 bodies tragically pulled from a landslide in the village of Reok in Manggarai. At least 13 injured individuals were rushed to hospitals, two of whom suffered serious injuries.
Emergency response efforts are underway, with Suharyanto mobilizing three helicopters and a rescue vessel to assist with logistics and support operations. These efforts are crucial, especially given the challenging geography of East Nusa Tenggara, which comprises numerous islands and presents significant transportation and access hurdles. Approximately 2,000 villagers in Nagekeo regency have fled their homes, seeking refuge in temporary shelters. Additionally, power outages across cities and villages have further hampered relief operations, as police chief Rudi Darmoko noted the earthquake caused severe damage and collapsed buildings.
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