Magnitude 7.7 quake off Indonesia kills at least 38, topples buildings
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake off Indonesia's coast has killed at least 38 people, injured 13, and damaged buildings across Flores island.
A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 38 people, injuring 13 others, and causing widespread damage across the eastern island of Flores. The quake triggered a brief tsunami warning for parts of eastern Indonesia, prompting residents to flee coastal areas before the alert was lifted after no significant sea-level changes were detected.
Strong shaking caused panic across the island, with witnesses reporting collapsed buildings, including structures at a port terminal and a Catholic seminary. Patients were evacuated from several hospitals as a precautionary measure.
Authorities confirmed that 13 of the injuries were linked to a landslide triggered by the tremor. The region is highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity, sitting along major tectonic fault lines that have produced deadly quakes in the past.
Emergency teams are assessing the full extent of the damage as rescue and relief operations continue in affected areas.