Indonesia Earthquake Kills 5 as 7.7 Tremor Hits Flores

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Flores early Saturday, killing at least five people and prompting a tsunami warning that was later lifted. The governor of East Nusa Tenggara Province, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, confirmed the deaths at a press conference, saying the victims were killed in their sleep as buildings collapsed around them.

Search and Rescue Operations Underway

Emergency teams deployed rapidly across the affected area to reach survivors trapped under debris. The quake struck at a depth of 15 kilometres just before 05:00 local time. Dozens of aftershocks followed, including one of magnitude 6.1. Around 2,000 residents of the Nagekeo district were evacuated as a precaution.

Tsunami Warning Issued Then Lifted

Indonesian authorities issued a tsunami warning shortly after the initial tremor, spurring coastal evacuations. Footage from Maumere port showed concrete chunks breaking off the terminal building onto passengers waiting to board a ferry, and some were thrown into the sea when a gangway collapsed. The warning was lifted approximately three hours later after no significant wave activity was detected.

Damage and Recovery Efforts

The national disaster agency BNPB advised residents to remain calm, stay away from the coastline and avoid damaged structures. The full extent of destruction remains unclear, as the region is remote and mountainous. Investigators said a rapid assessment was underway to determine the number of casualties and the scale of structural damage.

Update: Death Toll Rises to 38, Tsunami Warning Lifted

The death toll from the earthquake that struck Flores Island has risen to at least 38, according to the national disaster mitigation agency BNPB. The provincial breakdown: three deaths in Sikka province, six in Manggarai province, and five in East Manggarai province. At least two people were seriously injured and 11 slightly injured.

A tsunami warning was issued after the quake but was lifted approximately three hours later when no significant sea level rise was detected. Around 2,000 people evacuated or relocated on their own initiative. Video from the port of Maumere showed concrete chunks breaking off the terminal building onto passengers, with some thrown into the sea when a gangway collapsed. Preliminary damage assessments indicate 54 houses were severely damaged, along with five healthcare facilities, three places of worship, six government buildings, an educational institution and a warehouse. Strong aftershocks continued, including one measuring 6.1 magnitude.