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Rescue teams have begun searching through collapsed buildings and damaged structures after a powerful earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores Island, killing at least 38 people and injuring 13 others.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit off the northern coast of the eastern tourist island early Saturday, causing widespread damage to homes and public buildings. Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency said several victims remain trapped beneath rubble, with rescue teams prioritising areas where survivors may still be found.
Agency chief Suharyanto said two helicopters and an aircraft were being prepared to support emergency operations.
“Victims are trapped in several buildings. These will be the initial targets of the disaster response teams,” he told a news conference.
Authorities said about 2,000 residents have evacuated from affected communities, while hundreds of people remained outdoors as aftershocks continued to shake the island. The strongest aftershock recorded so far reached a magnitude of 6.1.
Rescue official Fathur Rahman said landslides that cut off roads have complicated operations, making it difficult for emergency teams to reach some locations.
Residents near the epicentre described scenes of panic as the earthquake struck. Yulian Juita Ekalia, a university lecturer living in Ruteng city, said the shaking woke her around 5:30 am.
“It felt like we were on a trampoline; it was really scary,” the 37-year-old told AFP.
She said household items fell as she rushed outside, where neighbours gathered in fear. She added that she was relieved the earthquake occurred on a Saturday morning when her university was empty.
In Nagekeo, residents fled towards higher ground after noticing the sea pulling back, raising fears of a possible tsunami. Although the tsunami warning was later lifted, authorities warned people to stay away from damaged buildings because further tremors could cause additional collapses.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered support from the European Union’s Copernicus satellite system, saying it could assist search and rescue operations.
Indonesia is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries because it sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a zone known for intense seismic activity. Flores Island was previously hit by a major earthquake in 1992 that triggered a tsunami and killed about 2,500 people.
