Powerful Earthquake in Indonesia: Dozens Killed
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores Island in Indonesia on Saturday night, August 15. At least 40 people were killed and 50 injured. The epicenter was at a depth of 15 km. Tsunami waves under one meter were recorded in Southeast Asia, and the warning was lifted after three hours. The hardest-hit areas were Nagkeo and Ende. In Maumere, the bodies of 20 victims were found. About 2,000 residents were evacuated. Roads were blocked by landslides, and communication and power supply were disrupted.
On the night of Saturday, August 15, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Flores Island in southeastern Indonesia. According to the latest data, at least 40 people were killed and 50 others injured. The epicenter was at a depth of 15 kilometers, and the tremor occurred at 4:58 local time. Dozens of aftershocks were recorded after the main shock. Tsunami waves under one meter were recorded in several areas of Southeast Asia, and the warning was lifted about three hours later. Later, an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Sumatra Island. The most seriously affected areas were Nagkeo and Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province. Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena reported that at least five people died under the rubble of buildings while sleeping. In the port city of Maumere, rescuers found the bodies of 20 victims, six more people were injured, and two remained under the debris. Roads to the city were blocked by landslides, and another group of rescuers tried to reach by ferry but failed. About 2,000 residents were evacuated. The National Disaster Management Agency reported damage to houses, warehouses, and government facilities. In some areas, there were power outages and traffic jams. Video from Maumere port shows part of a building turning into a pile of rubble. One resident said that all 13 people in his house ran outside. In the Ende area, a hospital was evacuated. In 1992, the same area was hit by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake. Indonesia is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of high seismic activity.