Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes off Indonesia's Flores island

A shallow magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Flores island in eastern Indonesia on Saturday, causing extensive destruction and triggering mass coastal evacuations. Emergency officials and disaster management authorities have released varying casualty estimates as search operations continue, with reported fatalities ranging between 20 and 40 people, alongside numerous injuries.

The tremor destroyed numerous structures, including residences, schools, and commercial buildings, while landslides obstructed key transport routes across the island. Authorities briefly issued a tsunami alert before withdrawing the warning. Rescue teams continue working through debris and aftershocks to reach isolated communities and assess the full extent of structural damage.

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