At least 47 people have died after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia’s eastern island of Flores early Saturday, according to the country’s disaster management agency.
The earthquake struck shortly before 5:00am local time at a depth of about 15km, making it particularly destructive. Strong aftershocks, including one measuring magnitude 6.1, were also recorded.
The National Disaster Management Agency said hundreds of buildings were damaged, including more than 150 homes that suffered severe damage. Schools, healthcare centres, places of worship and other public facilities were also affected.
Manggarai was among the hardest-hit areas, with 24 deaths reported. East Manggarai recorded 17 deaths, while Sikka recorded three. At least one person was killed in each of Ngada, Ende and West Manggarai.
Several people were injured, with authorities reporting at least two seriously injured and 11 others suffering minor injuries.
At the port of Maumere, video showed sections of a terminal building collapsing during the earthquake. A gangway also gave way, sending some people into the sea as they tried to escape.
Authorities briefly issued a tsunami warning, prompting thousands of residents to move inland or to higher ground. The warning was lifted about three hours later after no significant rise in sea levels was detected.
Residents described scenes of panic as the ground shook violently and the sea appeared to recede. Many people chose to remain outdoors because of continuing aftershocks and fears that damaged buildings could collapse.
Rescue and assessment operations are continuing, with aid being sent to affected communities. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from damaged structures and coastal areas.
Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because it lies at the meeting point of three major tectonic plates.
