7.7 magnitude earthquake kills five in Indonesia's Flores island

At least five people have died after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the island of Flores in Indonesia early Saturday morning. The provincial governor, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, confirmed the fatalities occurred when collapsing structures trapped victims while they slept.

The quake hit shortly before 5:00 AM local time, with a depth of 15 kilometers, according to the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency. The earthquake triggered strong aftershocks, including one measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning as a precaution, but it was lifted three hours later. The disaster struck a region that is known to be remote and mountainous, complicating rescue efforts.

Search and rescue teams are currently working to free any individuals trapped under debris. Video footage from the port in Maumere showed significant damage, with concrete falling onto passengers waiting for an inter-island ferry. Witnesses reported that some people were thrown into the sea when the gangway collapsed. Around 2,000 residents from the Nagekeo area have been evacuated, and numerous buildings have sustained damage, prompting warnings from the national disaster mitigation agency, BNPB.

Residents described the chaos following the quake. Arnold Welianto, a local from Talibura village, recounted the panic as he and his neighbors fled towards higher ground. Many chose to stay outside, fearing aftershocks and further damage to their homes. The BNPB has advised people to remain calm and avoid coastal areas, as assessments of the damage and casualties are underway. This earthquake adds to the ongoing concerns in Indonesia, a country frequently affected by seismic activity.