- A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Flores region at 5:58 am local time, with a depth of 10 km and an epicenter 68 km north-northwest of Ende.
- Buildings collapsed and people panicked, prompting a tsunami warning that urged residents to evacuate to higher ground.
- At least two people, a man and a woman, were killed, and search and rescue teams are working in Maumere.
- The tsunami warning was later lifted, although strong aftershocks, including a 6.1 magnitude, were felt.
- The BNPB is conducting a rapid assessment and has advised residents to avoid damaged buildings and stay away from coastal areas.
- The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings, with reports of collapsed structures in Maumere.
- Residents were advised to evacuate to higher ground due to the tsunami warning issued by Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
- In 1992, a magnitude 7 earthquake caused a tsunami that killed about 2,500 people on the southeastern island of Flores.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Flores region early Saturday, resulting in at least two fatalities and significant structural damage. The quake, which occurred at 5:58 am local time, had a depth of 10 kilometers and was centered 68 km north-northwest of Ende.18
Residents reported chaotic scenes as they fled buildings. A local market-goer described the moment, stating, "The shaking was strong. Thankfully, we were already outside the house." Another resident noted, "Many buildings here were damaged ... I saw that the waiting room at the port terminal in Maumere had collapsed," highlighting the quake's impact on infrastructure.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) confirmed the deaths of a man and a woman, while search and rescue teams were deployed to assist those trapped in the rubble. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning, urging residents to evacuate to higher ground, but it was later lifted.2345679
In a statement, BNPB advised, "Residents should also avoid entering buildings, especially those that have already sustained cracks or structural damage." The quake was followed by strong aftershocks, including one measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, further alarming the local population.
This earthquake echoes the devastating 1992 quake that triggered a tsunami, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths in the region, reminding residents of the potential dangers of seismic activity in this area.
“The quake, with a depth of 10 km, hit 68 km north-northwest of Ende, prompting BMKG to urge coastal residents to move two kilometers inland or to hills over 10 meters high. Aftershocks, including a 6.1 magnitude, continue, and BNPB is verifying casualty data while prioritizing public safety.”
BBC
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