Devastating 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Flores Island, Indonesia

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 struck off the coast of Flores Island in Indonesia early Saturday morning, leading to widespread destruction and numerous casualties. The tremor, which occurred at 5:58 AM local time (21:58 GMT on Friday), was centered approximately 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, at a shallow depth, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Initial reports from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) confirmed at least 47 fatalities, with that number expected to rise as the situation continues to unfold. Thousands of residents are being evacuated amid concerns over potential aftershocks, which have already been felt across the region. The agency also reported significant damage to homes, with entire sections of some buildings collapsing.

Although a tsunami warning was briefly issued, it was later lifted, with the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) noting the possibility of waves reaching 0.94 meters in certain areas. Following the main quake, the GFZ recorded two additional significant tremors of magnitude 6.3, and the USGS noted at least three more aftershocks ranging from 5.5 to 6.1.

Images from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) depict severe damage across various locations on Flores, including the city of Maumere, situated 100 kilometers from the epicenter.

Source: www.clarin.com