A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 20 people, damaging homes and other buildings and triggering landslides across parts of the country’s eastern Flores region.
Rescue teams are continuing operations as authorities assess the full scale of the destruction.
The earthquake struck at around 5:58am local time on Saturday, August 15, with its epicentre located about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province, according to the US Geological Survey. The USGS recorded the earthquake at a depth of around 10 kilometres.
Strong shaking was reported across several parts of East and West Nusa Tenggara, sending residents rushing from their homes and prompting thousands of people in vulnerable coastal areas to seek safety.
20 confirmed dead in Indonesia Earthquake
At least 20 people have been confirmed dead following the powerful earthquake, while several others have been injured. Rescue workers have also been searching for people feared trapped beneath rubble and landslide debris.
Some of the worst impacts were reported around Maumere in Sikka Regency on Flores Island, where buildings were damaged or collapsed. Landslides, power outages and communication disruptions have complicated rescue and assessment operations in some areas.
Around 2,000 residents were evacuated in Nagekeo, while damage was reported to homes, government buildings and warehouses. Landslides also disrupted access to areas close to the earthquake’s epicentre.
Hospitals in affected areas moved some patients outdoors as authorities continued checking buildings for structural damage.
Tsunami Warning Issued After 7.7 Earthquake
Indonesia initially issued a tsunami warning following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake, prompting coastal residents to move inland or towards higher ground.
The warning was later lifted after monitoring showed no significant sea-level changes threatening coastal communities. Reuters reported that minor tsunami waves of less than one metre were recorded and the warning was lifted roughly three hours after the earthquake.
The temporary warning led thousands of residents to leave coastal areas as authorities monitored the situation.
Where Did the Indonesia Earthquake Strike?
The earthquake struck offshore in the Flores region of eastern Indonesia, with the epicentre around 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province.
The strong tremors were felt across a wide area, including parts of East and West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi.
Flores Island is home to roughly two million people and is also an important gateway for tourists travelling towards the Komodo Islands.
Aftershocks Follow Indonesia Earthquake
A series of aftershocks followed the main earthquake, adding to concerns among residents and complicating emergency operations in affected areas.
Authorities are continuing rescue and damage-assessment operations, particularly in areas affected by landslides, collapsed structures and disrupted communications.
Indonesia experiences earthquakes frequently because of its location along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates interact.
The country has experienced several destructive earthquakes and tsunamis in the past, making rapid tsunami warnings and evacuations particularly important following major offshore earthquakes.
Emergency workers are continuing to search damaged areas as officials work to determine the full number of casualties and the extent of infrastructure damage.
With rescue efforts still underway, the Indonesia earthquake death toll could change as authorities receive more information from remote and badly affected communities.
Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain cautious as aftershocks continue.