At Least 2 Dead as 7.7-Magnitude Quake Strikes Indonesia's Flores Region
Xinhua · 5 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island in Indonesia on Saturday, killing at least two people and causing extensive damage to buildings and homes. Authorities issued a tsunami warning that was later lifted after monitoring showed no significant sea-level changes. Rescue teams are continuing to assess the situation as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.
Key Points
- The earthquake hit at 5:58am local time with its epicenter located 68km north-northwest of Ende city in East Nusa Tenggara province
- The US Geological Survey reported the quake at a depth of 10km, while China's CENC measured it at 20km depth
- At least two residents were killed and two others injured as the earthquake caused severe damage across Flores Island
- The epicenter was near Mbay in Nagekeo Regency, with strong tremors felt across multiple areas including Sikka regency
- A tsunami warning was issued following the tremor but was lifted after Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency confirmed no significant sea-level changes
- Local resident Yohanna Embu from Sikka reported extensive damage, including the collapse of the waiting room at Maumere port terminal
- Hospitals in the region evacuated patients as a precaution, with staff moving beds, IV stands and oxygen cylinders outdoors
- The roof of an assembly hall at St. Peter Major Seminary in Sikka collapsed during morning mass, sending students and nuns fleeing in panic
- Rescue teams from Maumere Search and Rescue Agency are continuing to assess damage and casualties across affected areas
Why It Matters
Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin, making it prone to frequent earthquakes . The Flores region has a history of seismic activity, and Saturday's quake follows a pattern of deadly tremors in the archipelago. Authorities are warning residents to remain vigilant against aftershocks as emergency operations continue and full damage assessments are conducted .
Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin, making it prone to frequent earthquakes . The Flores region has a history of seismic activity, and Saturday's quake follows a pattern of deadly tremors in the archipelago. Authorities are warning residents to remain vigilant against aftershocks as emergency operations continue and full damage assessments are conducted .