An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck the Indonesian island of Flores early Saturday morning, resulting in at least 38 deaths. Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, known as BNPB, reported that a search and rescue operation is currently underway as the official death toll continues to rise. The quake occurred shortly before 05:00 local time at a depth of 15 kilometers, followed by dozens of aftershocks, including one measured at a magnitude of 6.1.
Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency noted that shallower earthquakes generally produce more destructive effects at the surface. Following the initial tremor, authorities issued a tsunami warning, prompting approximately 2,000 residents to evacuate or relocate to higher ground. The warning was lifted approximately three hours later after no significant rise in sea level was detected.
Preliminary reports from BNPB indicate that 54 houses, five healthcare facilities, three places of worship, and six government buildings have been severely damaged. In the port of Maumere, witnesses reported concrete falling from a terminal building and a gangway collapsing, which threw some passengers into the sea. Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena of East Nusa Tenggara province stated that many victims were killed by collapsing rubble while they were asleep.
The scale of the damage includes the destruction of essential public infrastructure, such as healthcare centers and educational institutions, which may delay medical services and schooling for local communities. While the specific monetary cost of the damage has not yet been reported, the impact on the local economy is evidenced by the damage to the Maumere port terminal and a warehouse, which are critical for inter-island transport and goods storage. As Indonesia sits on the intersection of three major tectonic plates, this event serves as a reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity and the reliance on the national disaster mitigation system to manage rapid evacuations and emergency responses.
The immediate focus for government officials and search teams is the recovery of survivors in the remote and mountainous terrain of Flores. As of the latest reports, residents are advised to remain away from damaged structures and coastal areas. Further updates on the final death toll and the full extent of property damage are expected as rescue teams reach more isolated villages. No specific deadline for the completion of the search and rescue operation has been provided, but the BNPB continues to monitor the situation for ongoing aftershocks.