At least 38 Dead After 7.7-Magnitude Quake Hits Eastern Indonesia

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the Flores region of eastern Indonesia at 5:58 a.m. local time on Saturday, killing at least 38 people and injuring dozens, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. The agency’s chief Suharyanto said two people were seriously injured, 11 suffered minor injuries and roughly 2,000 residents evacuated on their own.

Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning and urged coastal residents to move to higher ground, but the warning was lifted after the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency reported no significant sea-level changes.

The U.S. Geological Survey located the epicenter about 42 miles north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province. Aftershocks followed the main shock.

Rescue teams have recovered at least 20 bodies in the regencies of Sikka, West Manggarai and East Manggarai, including eight victims pulled from a landslide in the village of Reok. Six people were taken to hospitals with severe injuries, and two villagers are still missing, believed to be buried under mud from a landslide triggered by the quake.

Police chief Rudi Darmoko reported extensive building damage, power outages and disrupted communications, which are hampering rescue efforts. Landslides also blocked the Trans-Flores highway, a 435-mile mountain road that links Labuan Bajo and Larantuka.

Local hospitals evacuated patients and moved equipment outdoors, setting up temporary treatment areas. The National Disaster Management Agency deployed a helicopter to assist with logistics and possible evacuations, citing the region’s island geography and limited transport options. About 2,000 villagers in Nagekeo regency have taken shelter in temporary camps.