Jakarta: The death toll from a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island has risen to 47, as rescue teams continue searching through damaged buildings and landslide-hit areas for survivors.
The earthquake struck early Saturday in East Nusa Tenggara province, with the epicentre located about 68 km north-northwest of Ende at a depth of around 10 km. The shallow and powerful tremor triggered numerous aftershocks and caused widespread destruction across several districts.
According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), at least 346 houses were damaged, including 157 severely damaged, while schools, health facilities, government buildings and other public infrastructure were also affected. Around 2,000 people were evacuated from the worst-hit areas.
Rescue and relief operations have been complicated by landslides, blocked roads, power outages and damaged communications infrastructure. Emergency teams are working to reach isolated communities and assess the full extent of the damage.
Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning following the earthquake, which was later lifted after monitoring showed no continuing major tsunami threat. However, residents have been advised to remain cautious because of continuing aftershocks.
The disaster has caused significant disruption in parts of Flores, with Maumere, Nagekeo and surrounding areas among those reporting substantial damage. Rescue teams, military personnel and local authorities are continuing search-and-rescue operations while providing emergency assistance to displaced residents.
Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active zones, making the country highly vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activity. The latest disaster has once again highlighted the need for strong disaster preparedness and rapid emergency response across the archipelago.
