Indonesia earthquake: At least 5 dead, buildings collapse after 7.7 magnitude quake

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia's Flores region early Saturday, toppling buildings and killing at least five people. The quake, which hit at a depth of 10 kilometers, caused panic in a region highly susceptible to seismic activity.

Authorities issued a tsunami warning, urging coastal residents to move to higher ground. However, the warning was later lifted after Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency confirmed no significant sea-level changes that would pose a threat. The epicenter was located north-northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province, and it was followed by several aftershocks.

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We are continuing to collect reports of damages and casualties, but there are communication disruptions.

Preliminary reports indicate two fatalities in Sikka Regency and three in Manggarai Regency. The earthquake caused severe damage, with many buildings collapsing. Power outages in cities and villages have hampered communication, complicating search and rescue operations. "We are continuing to collect reports of damages and casualties, but there are communication disruptions," East Nusa Tenggara police chief Rudi Darmoko stated.

Footage on local television showed hospital patients being evacuated as a precaution. Rescuers are inspecting heavily damaged buildings. Residents described strong shaking and panic, with many buildings damaged, including a port terminal waiting room in Maumere. The quake was also felt in neighboring provinces, causing damage and panic.

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Many buildings here were damaged ... I saw that the waiting room at the port terminal in Maumere had collapsed.