Rescue teams in Indonesia are continuing a desperate search for survivors after a powerful earthquake struck Flores Island, killing at least 47 people and leaving widespread destruction across several districts.
The strong earthquake struck shortly before 5 a.m. local time on Saturday, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency. The quake was initially reported at magnitude 7.7 and occurred at a depth of around 15 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.
The earthquake was followed by dozens of aftershocks, damaging hundreds of buildings and creating dangerous conditions for residents and emergency workers. Authorities have warned that the full scale of the disaster is still unclear because some of the worst-hit areas are remote and mountainous.
Rescue Operations Continue Across Flores
Emergency crews have been working throughout the day to locate people trapped beneath collapsed buildings and damaged structures. Rescue workers are facing difficult conditions as landslides and damaged roads have made access to several communities more challenging.
The death toll has been reported across multiple areas of East Nusa Tenggara. Manggarai province has recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 24 deaths reported. Another 17 people were killed in East Manggarai, while three deaths were reported in Sikka.
Ngada, Ende, and West Manggarai provinces have each reported at least one death.
At least two people were seriously injured, while 11 others suffered minor injuries. Authorities expect the number of casualties and the extent of property damage to become clearer as rescue teams reach isolated communities.
Hundreds of Buildings Damaged
Initial assessments indicate that more than 150 homes suffered serious damage. Several educational institutions, healthcare facilities, places of worship, government buildings, and other public structures were also affected.
The destruction has complicated rescue and relief operations. In some areas, landslides have cut off villages from the main road network, making it difficult for emergency teams and supplies to reach residents.
Indonesia’s disaster management authorities have begun sending relief supplies to affected communities. So far, around 10,500 relief packages have reportedly arrived at the main operational center for distribution.
Officials say additional assistance will be delivered as damage assessments continue.
Maumere Port Hit by Earthquake
The earthquake also caused dramatic scenes at the port of Maumere, one of the largest cities on Flores Island.
Video recorded at the port showed large sections of concrete from a terminal building breaking apart and falling toward passengers waiting to board a ferry.
A gangway connecting a vessel to the port also collapsed. Several passengers were reportedly thrown into the sea during the incident.
The scenes highlighted the earthquake’s force and the danger residents faced even after the initial shaking had stopped.
Authorities have urged people to stay away from damaged buildings because weakened structures can collapse without warning, particularly during aftershocks.
Residents Flee as Tsunami Warning Is Issued
The earthquake initially triggered a tsunami warning, prompting thousands of residents in coastal communities to move toward higher ground.
Around 2,000 people reportedly evacuated voluntarily after noticing changes in sea conditions and receiving warnings from authorities.
The tsunami alert was lifted roughly three hours after the earthquake because officials did not observe a significant rise in sea levels.
However, the early warning prompted many residents to take immediate action.
Arnold Welianto, a resident of Talibura village, described waking suddenly because of the violent shaking. He said he was frightened and immediately went to check on his child.
Other residents moved toward higher ground after seeing the sea retreat significantly from the coastline.
Such rapid movement of seawater can be an important warning sign following a major undersea or coastal earthquake, which is why authorities encourage people to move inland or to higher ground when official tsunami warnings are issued.
Victims Trapped While Sleeping
East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said some victims died while sleeping after buildings and debris collapsed around them.
The timing of the earthquake made the situation particularly dangerous because it struck in the early morning, when many people were still inside their homes.
Rescue teams have been searching damaged buildings in an effort to locate anyone who may still be alive beneath the rubble.
Temporary medical facilities have also been established to deal with the number of injured people. In Ruteng, an emergency medical tent was set up outside a hospital to treat earthquake victims.
Another Powerful Earthquake Raises Concern
While rescue operations were underway on Flores, reports also emerged of a strong earthquake of magnitude 6.9 in another part of Indonesia.
The occurrence of multiple major earthquakes has once again highlighted Indonesia’s exposure to seismic disasters.
Indonesia sits along the meeting points of several major tectonic plates, making it one of the most earthquake- and volcano-prone countries in the world.
The country forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a vast zone around the Pacific Ocean where several tectonic plates meet. The region experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity due to constant movement beneath Earth’s surface.
Why Indonesia Is So Vulnerable to Earthquakes
Earthquakes are a recurring threat across Indonesia because of its complex geological position.
The movement of tectonic plates can generate powerful stresses beneath the ground. When that built-up energy is suddenly released, the resulting earthquake can cause severe shaking, structural damage, landslides, and, in some cases, tsunamis.
Flores and other parts of eastern Indonesia have experienced destructive earthquakes in the past. Communities in these areas, therefore, remain particularly vulnerable when a major earthquake strikes.
The mountainous geography of Flores can make the situation even more difficult. Roads can be blocked by landslides, while damaged bridges and buildings can slow down emergency response efforts.
Authorities Urge Residents to Stay Alert
Indonesia’s disaster management authorities have advised residents to remain calm and continue following official instructions.
People living near the coast have been urged to stay away from dangerous coastal areas if warnings are issued. Residents have also been told to avoid buildings showing signs of structural damage.
Aftershocks can occur following a major earthquake and may cause already weakened buildings to collapse.
Emergency agencies are continuing to assess the damage, deliver relief supplies, and support medical teams across the affected provinces.
For families searching for missing relatives, however, the immediate priority remains the rescue operation.
As emergency crews work through damaged communities, authorities are still trying to determine the full human and economic cost of the Flores earthquake. With remote villages difficult to reach and communications disrupted in some areas, officials expect the disaster assessment to take time.
For now, rescue workers remain focused on one urgent task: searching through the rubble and reaching anyone who may have survived the powerful earthquake.
