Powerful Earthquake Strikes Eastern Indonesia, Causing Collapses and Casualties
7.7 magnitude undersea quake triggers tsunami warnings, widespread damage, and ongoing rescue operations across affected regions.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia in the early hours of Saturday, causing widespread damage and at least two confirmed fatalities.
Buildings across the region collapsed, prompting initial tsunami warnings that authorities later dropped.
Intense shaking rocked West Nusa Tenggara and parts of South Sulawesi; tremors extended as far west as Bima Regency and City.
The earthquake triggered several aftershocks, including one reportedly reaching a magnitude of 6.1, leading to widespread damage.
Rescuers in Maumere confirmed six injured individuals and two people trapped under rubble; at least two fatalities have been officially recorded.
However, the Maumere Search and Rescue Agency claims at least five people were killed and two injured. Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena stated five people died from collapsing rubble in their sleep.
Indonesia's national disaster management agency, BNPB, initially reported two deaths, later revising the figure to one confirmed fatality and four injured.
Video footage reportedly showed significant damage at the port in Maumere, with concrete breaking off the terminal building and a gangway collapsing.
Landslides reportedly blocked access to some villages, complicating rescue efforts as teams worked to free trapped individuals.
A hospital in the Ende district moved patients outside due to the severe shaking. A temporary medical tent was reportedly assembled outside a hospital in Ruteng.
A helicopter has been deployed to assist with access in the island-based region, where aid packages are being sent to affected areas. 10,500 packages reportedly arrived at base operations.
Arnold Welianto described the terrifying moment, stating, "I was startled awake and immediately went to my child's room."
I was startled awake and immediately went to my child's room.
Indonesia's national disaster management agency prioritizes public safety and preventing further casualties in the aftermath of the disaster.