- A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and forcing thousands to flee their homes.
- Residents in Ruteng city reported feelings of panic during the quake, with one stating, “People were panicking, running here and there. We’re evacuating for the time being and trying to get to the hills.”
- Rescue efforts have been complicated by landslides cutting off roads, shifting the focus to locating victims buried under rubble.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia, resulting in at least 20 confirmed deaths and several injuries. Rescue official Fathur Rahman reported that two individuals were trapped alive under rubble, complicating rescue efforts due to landslides that have cut off access to affected areas.
Yulian Juita Ekalia, a resident of Ruteng city, described the quake as the largest he had ever experienced, stating, “It felt like we were on a trampoline; it was really scary.” The earthquake jolted many awake around 5:30 am local time, leading to widespread panic as residents fled to higher ground.
In Nagekeo, close to the epicenter, people rushed to escape potential tsunami threats as the sea retreated. Although a tsunami warning was later lifted, authorities advised against returning to damaged buildings due to ongoing aftershocks, with the strongest recorded at magnitude 6.1. Many residents remained outdoors by lunchtime, fearing further tremors.
The epicenter of the quake was located just off the north coast of the island, according to US and Indonesian authorities. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with a focus on locating victims buried under debris, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.
“Rescue efforts are hampered by landslides blocking roads, with focus shifting to finding victims buried under rubble. A university lecturer in Ruteng city, over 100 km from the epicenter, said she had never felt such a big quake and jolted awake at 5:30 am.”
