Twenty Killed as Powerful 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Eastern Indonesia

At least 20 people died after a magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia early Saturday morning, followed by dozens of aftershocks. The quake triggered a tsunami warning that was lifted roughly three hours later, after waves under one meter were recorded in several coastal areas.

Rescue Efforts Underway in Hardest-Hit Areas

Rescuers near the port town of Maumere on Flores Island found 20 dead, six injured, and two people still trapped under rubble. Teams have not yet been able to reach Nagekeo, the region closest to the earthquake’s epicenter, after landslides blocked roads and communication signals were disrupted. One rescue team attempted to reach the area by ferry instead. Around 2,000 residents in Nagekeo evacuated their homes, with damage reported to houses, warehouses, and government buildings, along with power outages and traffic congestion.

Shaking Felt Across Multiple Provinces

Strong shaking lasting about a minute was felt across several provinces in eastern Indonesia, sending residents running from their homes. A local governor said at least five people died when rubble collapsed on them while they were sleeping. A hospital in the Ende district moved patients outside as a precaution, and at least one landslide was reported nearby.

Region Has History of Major Earthquakes

The area was struck by a similarly powerful earthquake in 1992 that caused extensive damage. Indonesia sits along a highly active seismic zone where multiple tectonic plates meet, making the region prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Authorities said Australia faces no tsunami threat from the quake.