At least 38 people have been killed after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores Island early Saturday, triggering strong aftershocks and damaging buildings.
The earthquake struck shortly before 5:00 a.m. local time at a depth of 15 kilometres, according to Indonesia’s meteorology and geophysics agency.
The disaster has affected several areas in East Nusa Tenggara province, with deaths reported in Sikka, Manggarai and East Manggarai.
Several others were injured, including some who sustained serious injuries.
Footage from Maumere showed parts of a port terminal collapsing, with debris falling onto passengers waiting to board a ferry.
Some people were reportedly thrown into the sea after a gangway collapsed.
Authorities issued a tsunami warning following the earthquake, prompting thousands of residents to move to higher ground.
The warning was lifted about three hours later after no significant rise in sea levels was detected.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency said about 2,000 people evacuated or relocated on their own as residents remained outdoors amid fears of further tremors.
A magnitude 6.1 aftershock was among several strong tremors recorded after the initial earthquake.
Preliminary assessments indicate that at least 54 houses were severely damaged, along with five healthcare facilities, three places of worship, six government buildings, an educational institution and a warehouse.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, avoid coastal areas and stay away from buildings that have been damaged.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with officials warning that the full extent of the damage may take time to determine because some affected areas are remote and mountainous.
