Indonesia’s Flores Island has been rocked by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. According to initial reports, at least 14 people have lost their lives, and many others have been injured. Following the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued for the local population, and around 2,000 individuals were evacuated to safe areas.
The natural disaster occurred around 5:00 AM local time on Saturday. The Indonesian Meteorology and Geophysics Agency reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was located 15 kilometers below the sea. After the main shock, a magnitude 6.1 aftershock was also recorded.
The Indonesian Disaster Management Agency BPBD stated that the exact number of casualties is still undetermined and that search and rescue operations are ongoing. Efforts are particularly focused on reaching individuals trapped under the debris of damaged buildings.
Images from Maumere Port after the earthquake show large concrete pieces, dislodged from the terminal, falling onto passengers waiting to board ferries. Additionally, some individuals fell into the sea due to the collapse of a bridge that provided access to a ship.
East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena mentioned that some people were asleep during the quake and were killed by the collapsing structures. Following the earthquake, those living along the coast headed to higher and inland areas on their motorcycles. It is reported that about 2,000 people have been evacuated.
The tsunami warning was in effect for three hours after the earthquake and was subsequently lifted. However, due to ongoing aftershocks, many individuals are hesitant to return home and prefer to remain in open areas.
Damage assessment efforts are still ongoing. The region’s mountainous terrain is said to potentially delay a full assessment of the damage. Authorities have urged citizens to stay away from the coastal areas and to avoid entering buildings that could be at risk.
Similar evacuations have been reported in the Nagekeo region, where many structures have also suffered damage. The number of casualties and injuries is expected to rise with each passing minute.
This region is frequently threatened by earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its location at the convergence of three major tectonic plates.
Source: www.yeniduzen.com
