At least 38 people have died after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia early Saturday, triggering widespread panic, damaging buildings and sending rescue teams racing to reach the worst-hit areas. The earthquake struck near Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, one of the country’s most seismically active regions.
The tremor hit at around 5:58 a.m. local time, with the epicentre located offshore near the Flores region. Strong shaking was felt across several areas, prompting residents to flee their homes. Buildings collapsed in parts of the affected region, while landslides blocked roads and complicated access for emergency workers.
Indonesia’s disaster management authorities said at least 38 people had been confirmed dead. Several others were injured, including two people reported to be seriously hurt. Around 2,000 residents evacuated affected areas on their own as concerns grew over further tremors and possible tsunami activity.
The earthquake was followed by numerous aftershocks, including tremors measuring above magnitude 6. Rescue officials warned that continuing seismic activity could make already difficult operations more challenging. Emergency teams are searching damaged buildings and isolated locations for survivors, while authorities continue to assess the full scale of the destruction.
A tsunami warning was issued shortly after the earthquake as a precaution. Waves of less than one metre were recorded in several locations. The warning was later lifted after monitoring showed no significant continuing sea-level changes that would indicate a major tsunami threat.
Rescue operations have been particularly difficult in areas close to the epicentre. Landslides have disrupted sections of the Trans-Flores highway, while power failures and communication problems have made it harder for emergency teams to reach some communities. Authorities have deployed additional rescue resources to support operations in remote areas.
Maumere, the largest town in Sikka Regency, was among the areas reporting significant casualties and damage. Other parts of Flores and surrounding regions also felt the earthquake, with residents reporting intense shaking and widespread fear.
Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire and regularly experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity. The latest disaster has once again highlighted the country’s vulnerability to powerful seismic events.
With rescue operations continuing, authorities are focused on reaching isolated communities, treating the injured and assessing damaged infrastructure. Officials have warned that the situation remains fluid as aftershocks continue, while teams work to determine whether the death toll and damage estimates could rise further.
