Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia, leaving dozens dead

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Flores island in eastern Indonesia on Saturday, causing building collapses and triggering mass evacuations. Rescue workers and national disaster management agencies report conflicting casualty figures as assessment operations continue, with preliminary estimates ranging from 20 to around 40 fatalities, alongside multiple injuries and trapped residents.

The shallow tremor damaged homes, schools, and warehouses across the region, while subsequent landslides blocked key roadways, hindering access for emergency personnel. Authorities briefly declared a coastal tsunami warning before lifting the alert. Emergency teams remain active across affected districts to clear debris, evaluate structural damage, and search for survivors amid ongoing aftershocks.

Sources: Canarias7, El Día, El Mundo, Expresso das Ilhas, La Vanguardia