Indonesia hit by 7.7 magnitude earthquake; buildings collapse, at least 2 dead

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake jolted Indonesia's Flores Island and surrounding areas on Thursday, causing significant damage and at least two fatalities. The tremors, felt strongly across the region, led to building collapses and prompted hospitals to evacuate patients to outdoor areas for safety.

The earthquake's epicenter was located off the north coast of Flores Island, approximately 68 kilometers from the city of Ende, with a shallow depth of 10 to 15 kilometers. The quake triggered landslides in several locations and caused widespread damage to homes and structures, particularly in the city of Maumere, a key port on the island.

In Ende, a hospital was seen moving patients, along with their beds and medical equipment, to an outdoor temporary medical zone. The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported at least two deaths and one injury in the Sikka region. The full extent of casualties and damage is still being assessed as rescue teams continue their work.

Following the main shock, numerous aftershocks were recorded, adding to the anxiety of residents who fled their homes. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning, but it was later lifted as the observed tsunami waves were less than a meter high. The situation remains dynamic as search and rescue operations and damage evaluations are ongoing.

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For the first time since Independence, Vande Mataram is echoing from the Red Fort on August 15.