Indonesia Earthquake: Death Toll Rises to 20 as Rescuers Search Rubble

At least 20 people have died after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island, with rescuers continuing to search collapsed buildings for survivors.

The earthquake struck early Saturday in eastern Indonesia, with the strongest impacts reported around Maumere and other areas of East Nusa Tenggara. Several buildings collapsed, while landslides, power outages and disrupted communications complicated rescue operations.

An official with the Maumere Search and Rescue Office said 20 people had been killed, six injured and two others remained trapped under rubble as emergency teams worked to reach affected communities.

The shallow earthquake was followed by several aftershocks and triggered a tsunami warning for parts of the region. The warning was lifted about three hours later after only minor waves, measuring less than one metre, were recorded.

Indonesia’s national disaster agency said about 2,000 residents in Nagekeo Regency evacuated their homes and moved to safer locations. Houses, warehouses and government buildings were among structures reported damaged.

The disaster also caused significant disruption to transportation. Landslides blocked roads in parts of the region, while power failures and damaged communications infrastructure made it difficult for authorities to obtain a complete picture of the destruction.

Hospitals in affected areas were also forced to take precautions, with patients moved outside some facilities amid concerns about further structural damage.

Emergency crews are continuing search-and-rescue operations, with authorities warning that the death toll could increase as teams reach areas that remain difficult to access.

The earthquake struck in a region highly vulnerable to seismic activity because Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active earthquake and volcanic zones.

Authorities are expected to continue assessing damage and casualties while emergency agencies coordinate rescue operations, medical assistance and temporary shelter for displaced residents.