Devastating 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Indonesia: Casualties and Damage Reported

Major Earthquake Strikes Off Indonesia's Coast

On Saturday morning, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Indonesia, leading to the collapse of structures and resulting in at least two fatalities. The quake has instigated widespread panic in an area known for its seismic activity.

Following the earthquake, authorities promptly issued a tsunami alert, which was later rescinded after the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency reported no significant changes in sea levels that could threaten coastal areas.

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred in the Flores region at a depth of 10 kilometers at 5:58 AM local time, with its epicenter located 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende city in East Nusa Tenggara province. The initial quake was succeeded by multiple aftershocks.

Preliminary assessments from the Maumere Search and Rescue Agency indicated that two individuals lost their lives and two others sustained injuries due to the severe damage inflicted by the earthquake, as reported by Indonesia's disaster management agency.

Local television footage depicted the evacuation of patients from various hospitals as a safety measure following the quake. Hospital personnel relocated equipment outdoors, including beds, IV stands, and oxygen tanks, establishing temporary treatment areas to accommodate emergency conditions.

Impact on Flores Island

The tremors were felt widely across Flores Island, with early reports suggesting significant destruction.

Yohanna Embu, a resident of Sikka in East Nusa Tenggara, reported that numerous buildings were damaged due to the intense shaking, prompting residents to seek higher ground.

"Many structures here were affected... I witnessed the waiting area at the Maumere port terminal collapse," she recounted.

Students at St. Peter Major Seminary in Sikka, who were attending morning Mass, fled in terror when the roof of an assembly hall caved in, according to Rev. Guidelbertus Tanga, the rector of the seminary, locally known as Ritapiret Seminary on the predominantly Catholic island.

"Our students and nuns rushed out in fear as the roof fell in. At least one priest broke his leg after jumping from the second floor during the quake," Tanga added.

Initially, Indonesian authorities had issued a tsunami warning for several regions, including East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi, advising residents to avoid beaches and riverbanks and to move to higher ground.