A 7.7‑magnitude earthquake struck the island of Flores just before 05:00 local time on Saturday, Indonesia’s most powerful shock since 2022. Preliminary figures show 53 people killed and an estimated 5,000 displaced as homes, schools and government offices suffered extensive damage.
The tremor hit only 15 km below the surface and was followed by 341 aftershocks. In the Manggarai province alone the National Disaster Management Agency recorded 25 deaths, 20 in East Manggarai, and dozens more injuries across the region.
Hospitals, particularly the Ruteng Regional Hospital in Manggarai, were overwhelmed. Ceilings collapsed and the operating theatre was forced to close, forcing staff to treat casualties in temporary tents while patients await proper medical care.
Government officials, led by Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, confirmed that several victims were killed in their sleep by rubble and that many families fled to the hills as the sea receded. Rescue teams worked tirelessly, breaking through landslide blocks to free those trapped under concrete.
A tsunami warning was issued after the jolt but lifted three hours later when no rise in sea level was recorded. Authorities urged residents to stay calm, avoid coastal areas and steer clear of damaged structures while rescue efforts continue.
