JAKARTA, Indonesia — At least 47 people were killed and 50 others injured after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island on Saturday, triggering landslides, collapsing homes and public buildings, and forcing about 2,000 residents to evacuate as rescuers worked to reach communities cut off by damaged roads and communication disruptions.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, or BNPB, reported that the fatalities included 24 people in Manggarai Regency, 17 in East Manggarai, three in Sikka, and one each in Ngada and Ende. The casualty figures could still change as rescue teams reach isolated communities and complete their assessments.
The earthquake struck at about 5:58 a.m. local time on Saturday, August 15, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenter was located offshore, about 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, or BMKG, recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.7 and later updated its analysis to place the depth at about 15 kilometers. BMKG located the epicenter about 30 kilometers northeast of Nagekeo.
The shallow and powerful earthquake caused severe shaking across Flores and surrounding areas. Homes collapsed, landslides blocked roads and power outages and communication disruptions hampered rescue operations.
The hardest-hit areas included Manggarai, East Manggarai, Nagekeo and Sikka. Authorities reported damage to hundreds of homes, as well as schools, health facilities, places of worship and government buildings. At least 157 homes were severely damaged, while the overall number of affected homes was reported at 346. More than 100 public facilities were also damaged.
Rescue operations have been particularly difficult in Nagekeo and other remote areas where landslides and damaged roads have prevented emergency teams from reaching some communities. Sections of the Trans-Flores highway were also blocked, further complicating the movement of rescuers and relief supplies.
The earthquake triggered a tsunami warning for parts of eastern Indonesia, prompting residents in coastal communities to move to higher ground. The warning was later lifted after authorities determined that there was no continuing major tsunami threat.
Small tsunami waves were nevertheless recorded in several locations. The largest reported wave reached about 1.61 meters in Riung, while smaller waves were recorded elsewhere in East Nusa Tenggara and neighboring areas.
The earthquake was followed by more than 235 aftershocks, including several strong tremors. One of the strongest aftershocks was reported at around magnitude 6.1, adding to fears among residents and complicating rescue efforts.
Some residents reported seeing the sea recede after the main earthquake, prompting additional concern along the coast. Authorities have continued urging residents to remain alert, avoid damaged buildings and follow official instructions because of the continuing risk of aftershocks.
The earthquake was generated by movement along the Flores back-arc thrust fault, an active geological structure capable of producing major earthquakes. BMKG has previously identified the fault as capable of generating earthquakes in the magnitude 7.8 to 7.9 range.
The disaster has also renewed memories of the devastating 1992 Flores earthquake and tsunami, which killed or left missing thousands of people and caused extensive destruction across the island.
Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active regions, where several tectonic plates meet. The country frequently experiences earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.
For now, rescue and relief operations remain focused on reaching isolated communities, treating the injured, providing shelter for displaced residents and assessing damage to homes and critical infrastructure.
Authorities warned that the death toll and damage figures may continue to change as emergency teams gain access to areas that remain difficult to reach.
Tutubi News Magazine will continue to monitor official updates from Indonesian authorities, BMKG, BNPB and international earthquake and tsunami monitoring agencies.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
