By Blessing Nweke
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least five people and damaging homes and buildings across parts of the country’s Flores region, officials said.
The earthquake struck in the Flores region of East Nusa Tenggara province at about 4:58 a.m. local time, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency. The quake was relatively shallow, increasing the strength of the shaking and contributing to widespread damage.
East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said five people died after rubble from collapsing structures fell on them while they were sleeping. Emergency officials initially reported a lower death toll as rescue teams began assessing affected areas.
The earthquake was followed by dozens of aftershocks, including one measuring 6.1. Strong shaking was reported across East and West Nusa Tenggara and parts of South Sulawesi, sending frightened residents into the streets and prompting evacuations in some coastal communities.
Authorities also issued a tsunami warning following the main earthquake. Waves measuring less than one metre were recorded in several areas before the warning was lifted about three hours later. Officials continued to urge residents to remain alert because of the possibility of additional aftershocks.
Rescue workers were deployed to search damaged buildings and assess the extent of destruction. Roads and communications were affected in some areas, complicating emergency operations.
Indonesia frequently experiences earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. Authorities said rescue and damage-assessment efforts would continue as further information becomes available.
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