At least two people have tragically perished following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia early this morning, triggering widespread panic and prompting urgent responses from emergency services across the nation. The quake, centered in the Flores region of East Nusa Tenggara, has resulted in significant damage and casualties, raising concerns about the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
Video footage captured at the port of Maumere, the main town on the island of Flores, reveals the devastating aftermath of the earthquake. Large chunks of concrete broke off the terminal building, cascading onto a throng of passengers waiting to board an inter-island ferry. Some of these passengers were thrown into the sea when the gangway to the ship collapsed, creating a chaotic scene of displaced individuals.
Authorities immediately issued a tsunami warning, later lifted, as a result of the earthquake’s depth of 15 kilometers. The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), in a statement, confirmed that the quake struck the Flores region at approximately 05:00 local time, marking a significant event within Indonesia’s seismic landscape. The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 15 kilometers offshore, the agency stated.
Initial reports suggested a potential tsunami, but authorities later declared the event over. Indonesia’s national disaster management agency subsequently issued a statement emphasizing prioritizing public safety and preventing additional casualties from aftershocks and related hazards. Strong aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.1 quake, were felt across the region, further complicating rescue efforts.
Arnold Welianto, a resident of Talibura village in East Nusa Tenggara, recounted his experience. He stated that he was asleep when he felt the ‘very strong shaking’ and immediately woke up, scrambling to his child’s room. Neighbors, including those in close proximity to the coastline, fled their homes and converged along the roads, demonstrating a collective response to the seismic event. The receding sea levels exacerbated the situation, causing residents to panic and seek shelter outdoors, with many remaining in the area due to the ongoing aftershocks.
BNPB officials are currently working to rescue anyone trapped within damaged buildings. A rapid assessment is underway to determine the full extent of the destruction, with the agency emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. The initial death toll stands at two, though the number is expected to rise as search and rescue teams continue their efforts. The BNPB stated that the quake has impacted a wide area, including the mountainous regions of the Flores province, and advises residents to remain calm and avoid coastal areas.
The government has urged people to avoid entering buildings, particularly those with existing cracks or structural damage, as a precautionary measure. The agency has also stressed the importance of staying informed about seismic activity and potential hazards. The search and rescue operation is ongoing, and officials are working to confirm the number of casualties and assess the long-term impact of the earthquake on the region. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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Source: BBC News
