Emergency crews comb through collapsed buildings and landslide debris after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake devastates communities on Flores Island
FLORES, Indonesia — Rescue teams worked through widespread destruction in eastern Indonesia on Sunday, searching for survivors and recovering victims after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the region, killing at least 47 people and leaving more than 100 others injured.
The earthquake caused extensive damage across Flores Island, where collapsed homes, damaged roads and landslides complicated rescue operations. Thousands of residents were forced from their homes as authorities assessed the full extent of the disaster.
Rescue Operations Continue Across Flores
According to Indonesia’s national disaster management agency, at least 24 deaths were reported in Manggarai Regency, while another 17 people were killed in neighboring East Manggarai.
Additional fatalities were reported in Sikka, Ngada and Ende regencies.
Emergency workers continued searching areas affected by landslides amid concerns that people could remain trapped beneath soil, rocks and the remains of collapsed structures.
Heavy equipment was being used where possible, while rescue personnel searched damaged communities for survivors.
Magnitude 7.7 Quake Shakes the Region
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck approximately 68 kilometers, or 42 miles, north-northwest of Ende in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province.
The earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, or six miles, off the coast of Flores.
The powerful shaking sent frightened residents rushing outdoors and was felt beyond Flores, including in neighboring West Nusa Tenggara and parts of southern Sulawesi.
Roads were damaged in some areas, while landslides created additional hazards for residents and emergency responders.
Thousands Displaced From Their Homes
Preliminary assessments indicated that more than 900 homes were destroyed, while nearly 450 additional residences suffered damage.
Approximately 5,000 people were moved into temporary shelters, according to disaster officials.
Others spent the night outdoors or in open areas, concerned about possible aftershocks and the safety of damaged buildings.
Emergency authorities were working to provide shelter and other assistance to displaced families as damage assessments continued.
Remote Communities Complicate Rescue Efforts
Flores’ mountainous terrain presents an additional challenge for rescue operations. Landslides and damaged transportation routes can make isolated communities difficult to reach, potentially delaying emergency assistance.
Authorities are expected to continue evaluating affected areas as reports arrive from communities across the island.
Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to major earthquakes because it sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone where several tectonic plates meet. The country has experienced numerous destructive earthquakes and volcanic eruptions throughout its history.
With rescue operations still underway, authorities warned that casualty and damage figures could change as emergency teams reach more affected communities.
For families awaiting news of missing relatives, the immediate priority remains finding anyone who may still be alive beneath the rubble.
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