Earthquake in Eastern Indonesia Kills at Least 47
A powerful earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia on Saturday, killing at least 47 people and causing widespread damage across several communities. The quake was followed by dozens of aftershocks, prompting about 2,000 residents to leave their homes and move to safer ground as authorities assessed the emergency and rescue needs.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency reported rescue operations were complicated by landslides, damaged roads and disrupted communications. Teams had not yet reached Nagekeo, the region closest to the epicentre, because roads were blocked. Officials said one group was attempting to reach the area by ferry, while local signals remained unreliable.
In Maumere, the main town in Sikka Regency on Flores Island, rescuers recovered 20 bodies and reported six injured people and two others trapped under rubble. Officials said additional residents remained inside damaged buildings elsewhere. A tsunami warning issued after the earthquake was lifted approximately three hours later by national authorities.
Preliminary figures showed extensive structural damage. Authorities listed 157 homes as heavily damaged, 41 as moderately damaged and 148 as lightly damaged. Damage was also recorded at 87 schools, 18 health facilities, five places of worship, six offices and warehouses and government buildings. Power outages and traffic congestion were reported.
Residents described intense shaking that lasted about a minute in some locations. Many fled homes and workplaces, while people near the port in Maumere moved to higher ground. Some residents said they were reluctant to return home because of continuing tremors and concerns that further aftershocks could occur without warning.
Strong shaking was felt across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and parts of South Sulawesi. Indonesia experiences frequent earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates meet. Rescue teams continued searching damaged areas as officials worked to restore access, communications and essential services locally.