At least 38 dead after Indonesia’s magnitude-7.7 earthquake, officials say

At least 38 people died and dozens were injured after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks struck off eastern Indonesia on Saturday. Rescue workers are urgently trying to reach areas most affected by the tremor, which occurred early in the morning.

Tsunami waves, measuring less than one meter, were observed in several parts of the Southeast Asian nation. The tsunami warning issued after the quake was eventually lifted approximately three hours later. As of 3 p.m. local time, officials reported 38 fatalities, two serious injuries, and 11 minor injuries, with about 2,000 people evacuated to safer locations.

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As of 3pm (8am Irish time), the recorded figures are 38 fatalities, two people seriously injured, 11 with minor injuries.

In the port town of Maumere, a key settlement on Flores Island, rescuers found 20 dead, six injured, and two individuals trapped under rubble. Reports indicate that residents remain trapped in damaged buildings in affected areas, and landslides have blocked several roads, complicating rescue operations. Communication signals have also been affected in Nagekeo, the region nearest to the epicenter, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate relief efforts.

Authorities reported damage to numerous houses, warehouses, and government facilities, alongside traffic congestion and power outages in parts of the Nagekeo regency. The governor of East Nusa Tenggara Province stated that at least five people died from collapsing debris while they were sleeping. Videos from Maumere showed buildings crumbling as people fled into the streets in panic. Residents described the intense shaking, with some reporting it lasted for about a minute.

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The quake was massive, the shock was so strong, we were resting at home with family.