At Least 20 Dead in 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Off Indonesia’s Flores Coast
Rescue operations underway as widespread destruction and disruptions hinder relief efforts
- 20 fatalities, 6 injured, and 2 trapped under rubble
- Epicenter located 68 km north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara
- Rescue teams face challenges due to landslides and damaged communications
At least 20 people have died, six have been injured, and two remain trapped under rubble following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake off the coast of eastern Indonesia’s Flores region on Friday.
The United States Geological Survey reported that the shallow undersea tremor had its epicenter 68 kilometers (42 miles) north-northwest of Ende, in East Nusa Tenggara province. Emergency response teams quickly mobilized to conduct damage assessments and search operations across the remote, mountainous area.
Casualties and Damage Spread Across Provinces
Initial government figures suggested a lower death toll, but local rescue officials near the epicenter confirmed higher casualties. Fathur Rahman, head of the rescue agency in Maumere, stated that rescuers found 20 dead, six injured, and two trapped under debris. Maumere is the main town in Sikka Regency on Flores Island.
Efforts to access Nagekeo, the area closest to the epicenter, have been hampered by landslides and disrupted communications, prompting rescue teams to attempt ferry access.
Preliminary reports indicate extensive structural damage. Local television footage shows hospital staff evacuating patients and moving equipment outdoors to set up temporary treatment areas. Resident Yohanna Embu described the destruction: “Many buildings here are damaged… I saw the waiting room at the Pelni port in Maumere had collapsed.”
