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

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake and numerous aftershocks struck off eastern Indonesia on Saturday, causing at least 38 fatalities, officials reported. Rescue workers are urgently trying to reach areas nearest to the epicenter, which experienced tsunami waves of less than one meter. A tsunami warning was issued and later lifted about three hours after the initial tremor.

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As of 15:00 (0800 GMT), the recorded figures are 38 fatalities, two people seriously injured, 11 with minor injuries.

As of Saturday afternoon, officials confirmed 38 deaths, two serious injuries, and 11 minor injuries. Approximately 2,000 people have evacuated to safer ground. In the port town of Maumere, rescuers found 20 dead, six injured, and two people trapped under rubble. Maumere is the main town in Sikka Regency on Flores Island, part of Indonesia's vast archipelago.

Rescuers face significant challenges, including landslides blocking several roads and affected communication signals in Nagekeo, the region closest to the epicenter. Teams attempting to reach Nagekeo by car were obstructed by landslides, while another team is trying to access the area by ferry. About 2,000 residents in Nagekeo have evacuated.

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residents remain trapped in several buildings in earthquake-affected areas and there are reports of landslides blocking several roads.

Damage has been reported to numerous houses, warehouses, and government facilities in the affected areas. Authorities also noted traffic congestion and power outages impacting parts of the regency. The governor of East Nusa Tenggara Province stated that at least five people died from collapsing rubble while they were sleeping.

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at least five people died from collapsing rubble as they ​slept.