Powerful earthquake kills dozens in eastern Indonesia
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Indonesia, resulting in at least 47 deaths and significant structural damage. While a tsunami warning was issued, it was later lifted after monitoring showed no significant sea level changes.
Why it matters
This event underscores the high seismic risk in the Indonesian archipelago and the critical importance of rapid tsunami warning systems.
Strong earthquake hits Indonesia Indonesia Powerful earthquake kills dozens in eastern Indonesia Quake struck Flores region early on Saturday, prompting thousands to seek higher ground for fear of a tsunami
Prefer the Guardian on Google A 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia has killed at least 47 people, causing widespread panic and collapsing buildings and homes in a region prone to deadly seismic events.
Rescuers have yet to reach Nagekeo, the area closest to the epicentre, because roads were blocked by landslides and communications disrupted.
Authorities issued a tsunami warning, which has since been lifted, but there were at least 235 aftershocks, including one of magnitude 6.1. Indonesian authorities said monitoring showed no significant sea level changes that could indicate a tsunami.
A motorcyclist rides past a crack in a road in East Nusa Tenggara province. Tsunami waves of 1.5 metres (3ft) were recorded in several areas.
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