Indonesia Quake Kills 20, Tsunami Warning Lifted
A powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 20 people and damaging homes and buildings across the Flores region. The undersea quake triggered tsunami waves of less than one metre, prompting coastal evacuations before authorities later lifted the warning.
Indonesia Earthquake Kills at Least 20
The earthquake struck near Flores Island at around 5:58 a.m. local time on August 15. Strong shaking was reported across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and parts of South Sulawesi.
Authorities reported at least 20 deaths and several injuries, while some people were initially feared trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Buildings and homes were damaged in multiple areas, while electricity and communication services were disrupted in some affected communities.
Tsunami Warning Lifted After Quake
Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning for vulnerable coastal areas, prompting residents to move to higher ground.
Minor tsunami waves measuring less than one metre were recorded at several locations. The warning was later lifted after monitoring showed that the immediate tsunami threat had passed.
The main earthquake was followed by multiple aftershocks, keeping emergency agencies and local residents on alert.
Rescue Operations Continue Across Flores
Evacuations were carried out in areas close to the epicentre, while landslides and damaged roads complicated access to some communities.
Homes, warehouses and government buildings sustained damage, while some hospitals moved patients outdoors because of concerns over aftershocks and structural safety.
Indonesia lies along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire and regularly experiences major earthquakes and volcanic activity.
