Magnitude 7.7 earthquake hits eastern Indonesia, leaving at least 38 dead

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake jolted eastern Indonesia early Saturday morning, leaving a trail of destruction and widespread panic among residents. The tremor, which struck off the coast of Flores Island, damaged numerous buildings and caused significant alarm as people were awakened by violent shaking.

As of the latest reports, the provisional death toll has risen to at least 38, with many more individuals sustaining injuries. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed following the powerful seismic event. The earthquake's epicenter was located approximately 68 kilometers northwest of the Ende district, at a shallow depth of only 10 kilometers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Two subsequent aftershocks, measuring magnitudes 5.6 and 5.9, were recorded in the same region shortly after the main tremor. Indonesian authorities initially issued a tsunami warning for the affected areas but subsequently lifted it. The region is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for its high seismic activity, making Indonesia and its neighbors prone to frequent earthquakes.

The USGS reported the main shock occurred at 05:58 local time (21:58 GMT). The proximity of the epicenter to the coast and the shallow depth of the quake contributed to the significant shaking felt on land and the resulting damage. Efforts to assess the full impact and provide aid to those affected are underway.