A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Flores Island in eastern Indonesia on Saturday, resulting in at least 51 fatalities. According to the disaster management agency, approximately 5,000 people have been displaced and 157 houses were completely destroyed. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal expressed condolences and solidarity on behalf of the Nepal government over the loss of lives and property in Indonesia.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located about 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende city in East Nusa Tenggara province. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at 5:58 a.m. local time on Saturday. Officials stated that around 341 aftershocks followed the main tremor. Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus informed on Sunday via television that 36 individuals are seriously injured, while 77 have sustained minor injuries.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the most affected area is Sikka Regency, where over 3,300 people have been displaced from their homes. Many are trapped due to blocked roads, and some have been temporarily sheltered in sports stadiums. In the port city of Maumere, some locals are living under tarps hung outside collapsed houses, and several injured individuals are receiving treatment in temporary camps set up outside local hospitals.
BNPB chief Lieutenant General Suharyanto stated that at least 157 houses were completely destroyed and about 200 sustained damage. Rescue teams have yet to reach all affected areas in Nagekeo. Search and rescue operations face difficulties due to landslides blocking roads and communication disruptions, according to Fathur Rahman, head of the search and rescue agency. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya reported that over 3,500 military and police personnel across the country have been deployed for rescue and relief efforts.
