- 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's coast early Saturday, triggering a tsunami warning.
- Tsunami waves of less than 1 metre were recorded in several areas, and the warning was lifted about three hours later.
- At least five people died from collapsing rubble as they slept, according to the provincial governor.
- Damage was reported to buildings, homes, and infrastructure; residents were evacuated and power outages occurred.
- The U.S Geological Survey reported the quake hit Indonesia's Flores region at a depth of 10 kilometers.
- Strong shaking was felt across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and parts of South Sulawesi.
- Residents along affected coastlines were advised to move to higher ground as officials monitored coastal tide gauges.
- Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its location on the "Ring of Fire".
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early Saturday, resulting in at least five fatalities and extensive damage. The quake, recorded at a depth of 15 km, was felt across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and parts of South Sulawesi.156
The provincial governor, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, reported that the victims died from collapsing rubble while they slept. The national disaster mitigation agency BNPB initially reported one death and four injuries, but the toll later rose as rescue efforts continued.
Tsunami waves of less than 1 meter were recorded, prompting a tsunami warning that was lifted three hours post-quake. Residents were advised to evacuate to higher ground as officials monitored coastal tide gauges for changes.23
Witnesses described the chaos as buildings collapsed and people fled. Nona, a resident of Talibura, recounted, “The quake was massive, the shock was so strong, we were resting at home with family.” Another resident, Yohanna Embu, noted significant damage, stating, “Many buildings here were damaged ... I saw that the waiting room at the Pelni port terminal in Maumere had collapsed.”
Indonesia, located on the “Ring of Fire,” is prone to seismic activity. In December 1992, a similar earthquake caused a tsunami that killed approximately 2,500 people on Flores Island.
“The quake struck at 4:58 a.m. local time at a depth of 15 km, with aftershocks felt across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and parts of South Sulawesi. About 2,000 residents in Nagekeo evacuated, and damage was reported to houses, warehouses, and government facilities.”
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