Reported by 3 sources

The short version

  • A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Flores island, killing at least 47 people and injuring more than 100 others.
  • Over 900 homes were destroyed and nearly 450 damaged, forcing approximately 5,000 people into temporary shelters amid fears of aftershocks.
  • Rescue efforts are hampered by landslides blocking roads and communication disruptions in the mountainous region.

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the island of Flores in eastern Indonesia on Saturday, killing at least 47 people and injuring more than 100 others. The quake occurred shortly before 5:00 local time at a depth of approximately 15 kilometers, according to Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency. Tremors were felt as far west as Bima, but the Manggarai province was among the most severely affected areas.

Preliminary reports from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) indicate that more than 900 homes were destroyed and nearly 450 others damaged by the quake and subsequent aftershocks. The destruction has forced about 5,000 people into temporary shelters, while thousands more spent the night outdoors due to fears of strong aftershocks. At least 167 public facilities, including schools, health centers, and churches, were also damaged.

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The death toll is concentrated in several regencies on Flores. Preliminary data shows 24 fatalities in Manggarai regency and 17 in neighboring East Manggarai. Additional deaths were reported in Sikka, Ngada, and Ende regencies. Rescue crews have been digging through collapsed buildings and landslide debris in search of survivors and bodies. The remote and mountainous terrain of the region has complicated assessment and rescue efforts.

Landslides triggered by the earthquake have blocked sections of the Trans-Flores Highway, a critical road linking communities across the island. This isolation has made it difficult for aid workers to reach some villages. Fathur Rahman, head of the search and rescue office in Maumere, noted that while most landslides had been cleared, communication disruptions and power outages continued to hamper operations. Restoring electricity and delivering aid to isolated areas remain significant challenges.

The earthquake also impacted infrastructure in Maumere, the largest town in Flores. Video footage showed large chunks of concrete breaking off a terminal building at the port, falling onto passengers waiting to board an inter-island ferry. Some people were thrown into the sea when the gangway to a ship collapsed. A tsunami warning was initially issued, leading about 2,000 people to self-evacuate, but it was lifted around three hours after the initial jolt when no significant sea waves were observed.

Relief workers have begun distributing essential supplies, including rice, ready-to-eat meals, drinking water, blankets, and medicine. The BNPB stated that meeting basic needs and providing logistics for evacuees is a top priority. More than 10,500 aid packages have been sent to affected areas. However, officials warn that it will take time to assess the full extent of the destruction due to the difficult terrain.

Residents described the terrifying experience of the quake. Anastasia Imad, a farmer in Labuan Bajo, said the shaking was so intense that her house nearly collapsed. Many residents continued to sleep outside rather than risk returning to damaged homes. Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, governor of East Nusa Tenggara province, reported that several victims were killed in their sleep by collapsing rubble.

The region is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to seismic activity. A second earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck at the other end of Indonesia, serving as a reminder of the geological instability in the area. The USGS reported that the main quake struck about 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province.

As rescue teams work tirelessly to free those trapped under rubble, the focus remains on saving lives and providing immediate humanitarian assistance. The full impact of the disaster may not be known for some time as access to remote villages improves and assessments continue.

Sources behind this briefing

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