At least 14 dead after 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia
At least 14 dead after 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia
Ninoda.com – At least 14 dead after 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia early on Saturday, according to the nation's disaster mitigation agency. The devastating tremor hit the island of Flores shortly before 05:00 local time, causing widespread damage across the region. BPBD reported that additional casualties and injuries are expected as search and rescue operations continue. The Lorens Say Port in Maumere is among the buildings damaged by the earthquake which struck off the coast of the island of Flores. Teams are working urgently to free anyone trapped in buildings damaged by the quake and the dozens of aftershocks that followed.
Earthquake Details and Impact
The earthquake struck around 600 miles (1,000km) away from Bali, with a depth of 15km according to Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency. The shallower an earthquake is, the more destructive its effects on the surface tend to be. Strong aftershocks were felt in the same area, including one with a magnitude of 6.1. Video taken at the port in Maumere showed large chunks of concrete breaking off the terminal building onto passengers waiting to board an inter-island ferry.
Some were thrown into the sea when the gangway to a ship collapsed. Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, governor of East Nusa Tenggara province, told a news conference that victims were killed in their sleep by collapsing rubble. A stream of people could be seen moving inland on motorbikes after authorities issued a tsunami warning. The warning was issued but lifted around three hours after the initial jolt.
"Residents should also avoid entering buildings, especially those that have already sustained cracks or structural damage," BNPB said. "A rapid assessment is currently underway to determine the number of casualties and the extent of the impact. We will provide that information after the data has been verified."
Evacuation and Response Efforts
BNPB said 2,000 people had evacuated or relocated on their own. But it will take time to assess the full extent of the destruction in the region, which is remote and mountainous. BNPB advised people to remain calm and stay away from coastal areas. About 2,000 residents in Nagekeo were evacuated with damage reported to a number of buildings.
Arnold Welianto, who lives in Talibura village, Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, told the BBC that he was still asleep when he felt the "very strong shaking". "I was startled awake and immediately went to my child's room," he said. "Once we were outside, residents in our neighbourhood, which is located close to the shoreline, had already fled their homes and were heading toward the hills and crowding the roads, while some other residents were standing along the roadside because the sea had also receded."
"The water remained low for quite some time, so everyone panicked and ran - I went around to the community health centre, and the people there had already been evacuated." Welianto said many residents were choosing to remain outdoors as ongoing aftershocks meant they were afraid to return home. Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity, lying along the meeting point of three major tectonic plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current death toll from the earthquake? A: At least 14 dead after 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia, with the official count expected to rise as rescue teams access remote areas.
Q: Was a tsunami warning issued? A: Yes, a tsunami warning was issued but lifted around three hours after the initial jolt. Authorities advised people to stay away from coastal areas.
Q: How many people have been evacuated? A: BNPB reported that 2,000 people had evacuated or relocated on their own, with about 2,000 residents in Nagekeo specifically evacuated.
Q: What should residents do to stay safe? A: Residents should avoid entering buildings with cracks or structural damage, stay away from coastal areas, and remain outdoors if aftershocks continue.