A powerful seismic event measuring 7.7 in magnitude struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island early Saturday morning, resulting in at least two fatalities. The tremor originated approximately 68 kilometers northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province, with its epicenter located just 10 kilometers below the surface. Government seismic agencies documented three substantial aftershocks in the immediate aftermath, ranging from 5.6 to 6.1 in magnitude.
The earthquake claimed the lives of a man and woman at Maumere port, while one additional person sustained injuries. Significant structural damage has been documented across the region, with buildings and port infrastructure suffering extensive harm. Officials estimate that over 500,000 residents experienced very strong shaking, while millions more across the broader area felt moderate to strong tremors.
Indonesia’s meteorological agency issued tsunami warnings and ordered immediate evacuations for residents in coastal areas. Officials instructed people to either relocate at least two kilometers inland or ascend to elevated terrain exceeding 10 meters in height. Emergency responders continue attempting to reach several isolated communities that remain inaccessible due to damage and ongoing hazards. Australia’s warning center determined the event posed no danger to its territories.
Indonesia’s position along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. The same region experienced a comparable earthquake in 1992 that killed more than 2,500 people, making preparedness efforts critical for the nation’s island population.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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