Powerful earthquake strikes Indonesia's Flores Island, killing dozens
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia's popular tourist destination Flores Island on Saturday, killing at least 38 people and displacing thousands. A tsunami warning issued afterward was later lifted.
Indonesian authorities report that a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the popular tourist island of Flores on Saturday. According to Suharjanto, head of the National Disaster Management Agency, the disaster has killed at least 38 people.
A further 13 people were injured, two of them seriously. The quake also forced roughly 2,000 residents to flee their homes.
Damage and epicenter
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake's epicenter was located offshore, about 68 kilometers from the city of Ende, with a hypocenter depth of ten kilometers. The main shock was followed by several strong aftershocks.
The quake caused damage across a large part of Flores Island, affecting numerous homes and public buildings.
Tsunami warning lifted
Immediately after the earthquake, authorities issued a tsunami warning, which was later withdrawn. Rescue and recovery efforts on the island are ongoing.
