Death toll rises after magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia

Emergency search and rescue teams in eastern Indonesia have begun recovering casualties following a magnitude 7.7 undersea earthquake off the coast of Flores island.

Local disaster response officials in Maumere reported that at least 20 people have died, six sustained injuries, and at least two individuals remain trapped beneath collapsed structures. Earlier reports from emergency services had cited lower initial casualty figures as assessment efforts got underway across East Nusa Tenggara province.

Thousands of coastal residents evacuated to higher ground after seismological agencies issued a brief tsunami warning, which was subsequently lifted. Emergency personnel continue to clear debris and search damaged buildings for survivors as aftershocks persist throughout the region.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, El Día, El Mundo, ORF