Indonesia earthquake kills at least 20, damages homes

At least 20 people died after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks struck off eastern Indonesia on Saturday. The Indonesian national disaster mitigation agency BNPB reported one death and four injuries, but rescue agencies in the port town of Maumere confirmed 20 fatalities, six injured, and two people trapped under rubble.

Rescuers faced significant challenges reaching Nagekeo, the region closest to the earthquake's epicenter. Communications signals were disrupted, and landslides blocked road access. Teams attempted to reach the area by ferry, while about 2,000 residents in Nagekeo had already evacuated. Authorities reported damage to houses, warehouses, and government facilities, along with traffic congestion and power outages.

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The quake was massive, the shock was so strong, we were resting at home with family. There were 13 of us inside the house and we all ran to save ourselves.

Tsunami waves of less than 1 meter were recorded in several areas, prompting a tsunami warning that was lifted approximately three hours after the initial tremor. The earthquake's strong shaking was felt across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and parts of South Sulawesi, with residents reporting tremors lasting about a minute. A hospital in Ende district moved patients outside as a precaution, and at least one landslide was reported.

Indonesia is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its high seismic activity due to the meeting of tectonic plates. This area was previously hit by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in 1992, which caused extensive destruction. Australia's tsunami warning center confirmed there was no tsunami threat to the Australian mainland.

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Most of the people felt the shock and scattered out of their homes.