7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Eastern Indonesia
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 20 people and injuring several others, while triggering minor tsunami waves and a temporary tsunami warning, according to rescuers and authorities.
The earthquake struck in the Flores region and was followed by dozens of aftershocks. Tsunami waves of less than one metre (3 feet) were recorded in several parts of Indonesia, prompting authorities to issue a warning that was lifted about three hours later.
Most of the reported casualties were in and around Maumere, the main town of Sikka Regency on Flores Island. Rescue teams recovered 20 bodies, while six people were injured and two others remained trapped under rubble, according to the local rescue agency.
Access to Nagekeo, the area closest to the earthquake’s epicentre, was hampered by landslides and disrupted communications. Rescue teams were working to reach affected communities as emergency operations continued.
Indonesia’s geophysics agency recorded the initial earthquake at a depth of about 15 kilometres, while the region experienced strong shaking across East and West Nusa Tenggara and parts of South Sulawesi. Damage was reported to homes, government buildings and other structures, while power outages and traffic disruptions affected several areas.
Indonesia lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, one of the world’s most seismically active zones, where several tectonic plates meet and generate frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
