Magnitude 7.7 Indonesia Earthquake Kills 20 as Rescue Efforts Continue

MAUMERE, Indonesia — The earthquake struck at about 5:58 a.m. local time near Flores, with the U.S. Geological Survey placing the epicenter about 68 kilometers (42 miles) north-northwest of Ende at a depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles). The powerful shaking collapsed homes and other structures in several areas, while landslides blocked roads and disrupted communications, complicating efforts to reach communities near the epicenter. At least six people were injured and two others were reported missing after a landslide, while about 2,000 residents in Nagekeo Regency evacuated to temporary shelters.

The earthquake was followed by numerous aftershocks and prompted authorities to move hospital patients and medical equipment outside some buildings as a precaution. Landslides also cut sections of the Trans-Flores highway, a major route across the island, while power outages and damaged communications hampered the flow of information. Tsunami waves measuring less than 1 meter (3 feet) were recorded in some locations, but Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency later determined that conditions did not warrant continuing the warning. Differences in early casualty figures reflected the difficulty of reaching affected areas, with officials continuing to assess damage and casualties as rescue teams moved into isolated communities.