Flores, en.SERU.co.id — A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores in East Nusa Tenggara early Saturday, killing at least 38 people and triggering 235 recorded aftershocks as rescue teams continued assessing damage across the region.
The mainshock occurred at 4:58 a.m. local time, with the epicenter about 30 kilometers northeast of Mbay in Nagekeo Regency at a depth of 15 kilometers, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The agency attributed the earthquake to movement along the Flores Back-Arc Thrust.
BMKG recorded 235 aftershocks by 2 p.m., ranging from magnitude 2.5 to 6.2. The tremors were concentrated mainly north of Flores, and officials said aftershock activity could take two to three weeks to gradually decline.
Death Toll Rises as Rescue Efforts Continue
National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) chief Lt. Gen. Suharyanto reported 38 fatalities as of 3 p.m. Two people were seriously injured, 11 suffered minor injuries, and approximately 2,000 people evacuated independently.
The death toll had stood at 14 earlier in the day before field verification increased the figure. Rescuers have continued searching affected areas, while landslides and damaged roads have made access to some locations difficult.
The worst-hit areas include parts of Sikka, Manggarai and East Manggarai. Buildings were damaged or collapsed, while power outages and disrupted communications have complicated rescue operations. Teams have also faced difficulties reaching Nagekeo, the area closest to the epicenter.
Tsunami Warning Lifted
BMKG issued a tsunami warning shortly after the earthquake and urged residents in coastal areas to move to safer locations.
The warning was lifted at 7:30 a.m. after monitoring showed that the tsunami threat had subsided. BMKG reported sea-level changes at several locations, while international reports described the recorded tsunami waves as below one meter in several areas.
BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Director Wijayanto said the Flores Back-Arc zone has the potential to produce earthquakes of magnitude 7.8 to 7.9. He also pointed to the destructive 1992 Flores earthquake, which generated a major tsunami.
Authorities Warn of Further Aftershocks
Disaster response teams from BNPB, local governments, the military and search-and-rescue agencies are continuing damage assessments, rescue operations and assistance for displaced residents.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for further aftershocks, avoid entering damaged buildings and follow information from official sources.
BMKG said the trend in aftershock activity had not yet shown a significant decline as of Saturday afternoon.
The casualty and damage figures remain provisional and may change as rescue teams reach more affected areas and authorities complete field verification.
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