Jakarta: At least 51 people were killed and around 5,000 others evacuated after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island in eastern Indonesia.
Indonesian Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus said that 36 people sustained serious injuries, while 77 others suffered minor injuries following the earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara province.
Deputy Chief of Sikka Simon Subandi said that residents were reluctant to remain indoors following the earthquake, with many spending the night on porches or in tents outside their homes.
Indonesian Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said that more than 3,500 military and police personnel had been deployed to the affected areas to support relief and disaster-response operations.
The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that most of those still missing were believed to be trapped beneath rubble. More than 1,300 houses were damaged, while 20 fuel stations ceased operations due to power outages.
Authorities continue to conduct search-and-rescue operations and assess the extent of the damage in the affected areas.
Indonesia and neighboring countries are located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most seismically active regions, extending from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific Basin. The region is frequently affected by earthquakes and volcanic activity.
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake also struck eastern Indonesia in early July, although it caused no casualties or significant damage.
more recommended stories
Russian LNG Exports to China Surge 28.3% in First Eight Months of 2026Beijing: Russia exported 5.153 million tonnes.
China Successfully Launches 9 Satellites Into Space on Lijian-1Y18 RocketBeijing: China successfully launched nine satellites.
AJMS Group Supports DDSC Across Compliance Systems ImplementationDubai: AJMS Group announces its ongoing.
Gaza School Year Begins with 541,000 Students Under Exceptional ConditionsGaza School Year Begins After Three-Year.
Japan tests robot trash bins at world’s busiest rail stationJapan’s busiest railway station is testing.
New cat species identified in Bolivia, first in over a centuryA diminutive wild cat that inhabits.
Japan’s Nikkei Rises 0.3% to 64,136 as Gaming and Pharma Stocks GainJapan’s Nikkei Ends Higher as Gaming.
European Stocks Rise After US Federal Reserve Interest Rate HikeLondon: European shares edged higher today.
King Charles says ‘our humanity must remain sacred’ as AI debate growsKing Charles III will urge global.
Oil Prices Extend Losses as Middle East Supply Concerns EaseOil Prices Fall as Middle East.