A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s eastern Flores region early Saturday at a depth of 15 km, sparking panic, building collapses and dozens of aftershocks. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning, which was later lifted after waves of less than one metre were recorded in several areas.
Casualty figures remain inconsistent. The governor of East Nusa Tenggara said at least five people were killed after being trapped under falling debris while asleep, while the national disaster agency initially reported one death and four injuries.
Videos and eyewitness reports captured scenes of damage and panic in areas near the epicenter, including Maumere and Ende. Residents and hospital patients rushed into the streets as buildings cracked and collapsed, while people in nearby areas moved to higher ground following the quake.
