A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 struck Indonesia's Flores Island early Saturday morning, causing widespread destruction and killing over 50 people. The earthquake occurred just 10 kilometers below the ocean floor, about 68 kilometers north of Ende city. The shaking was violent, with survivors describing it as terrifying. Many people were woken up by the strong tremors.
More than 900 homes were damaged or destroyed, forcing between 2,000 and 5,000 people to leave their neighborhoods. Important buildings like schools and clinics were also affected. In the Maumere harbor, a key port, parts of the concrete structure collapsed.
Reaching affected areas has been difficult because of the island's steep terrain and damaged roads. Communication networks were also down in some regions. Emergency teams are using planes and boats to deliver essential supplies like food, water, and medicine to isolated communities. A 14-day state of emergency has been declared.
The Manggarai region was the hardest hit, with 24 deaths. The earthquake also affected Labuan Bajo, a tourist destination. Although a tsunami warning was issued, it was later canceled. However, the memory of a deadly earthquake in 1992 that caused a tsunami and killed thousands remains.
Indonesia is located in a geologically active area known as the "Ring of Fire," making it prone to earthquakes. This disaster highlights the vulnerability of its large population spread across many islands. Even after the main earthquake, hundreds of smaller tremors continued, and a separate earthquake also struck off the coast of Sumatra.