Indonesia Earthquake Live Update: A powerful earthquake turned parts of eastern Indonesia into scenes of panic early Saturday after a 7.7-magnitude tremor struck off Flores Island, shaking buildings and forcing residents in coastal communities to flee towards higher ground. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning as strong aftershocks followed the main quake, while officials began assessing damage across East Nusa Tenggara.
The earthquake killed at least two people, a man and a woman, according to Indonesian disaster authorities. The shallow quake struck offshore near Flores and caused damage to homes and other structures, while evacuations took place in areas including Nagekeo and Maumere. Authorities later lifted the tsunami warning after monitoring showed no major sea-level change.
Indonesia Earthquake Today: What Happened?
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck early Saturday in the Flores region of Indonesia. The US Geological Survey placed the depth at about 10 kilometres, making it a shallow earthquake capable of producing strong shaking near the affected area. The epicentre lay about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province.
The main tremor was followed by several aftershocks, including one measured at 6.1 magnitude, adding to the fear among residents already trying to leave vulnerable coastal locations.
Earthquake Today in Indonesia Magnitude
The earthquake registered 7.7 magnitude, according to the USGS. Its shallow depth increased the potential for severe shaking and structural damage in nearby communities.
Authorities and residents reported damage to buildings and homes in several areas. Associated Press reported that a waiting room at a port terminal in Maumere collapsed, while a hall roof at the Ritapiret Seminary also came down during the shaking, injuring at least one priest.
Earthquake Today in Indonesia: Strong Earthquake Shakes Flores
Flores took the strongest impact from the earthquake as the offshore tremor shook communities across the island and nearby areas.
In Nagekeo regency, hundreds of people evacuated after authorities issued warnings and residents felt strong shaking. In Maumere, people also moved towards higher ground as concern over a possible tsunami spread through coastal communities.
Television images and footage from the region showed damaged buildings and people leaving affected areas as emergency teams began responding.
Earthquake Today in Indonesia: Areas Affected
The earthquake affected parts of East Nusa Tenggara, particularly communities around Flores and the surrounding coastal areas.
Authorities urged residents in exposed locations to move inland or to higher ground following the tsunami warning. Evacuations were reported in Nagekeo, Sikka and Maumere, with residents leaving low-lying areas as the authorities monitored the sea.
Hospitals and other facilities also took precautionary measures in some locations, with outdoor treatment areas established as authorities prepared for additional tremors and possible injuries.
Earthquake Today Indonesia: Check Epicentre
According to USGS data, the earthquake occurred approximately 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende, off the northern coast of Flores.
The quake struck at a depth of around 10 kilometres, making it a relatively shallow earthquake. Shallow offshore earthquakes can cause intense shaking and can also raise concerns about tsunami generation when they occur beneath or close to the sea.
Earthquake Today Indonesia: Tsunami Alert
Indonesia initially issued a tsunami warning after the powerful offshore earthquake. Coastal residents received instructions to leave vulnerable areas and move towards higher ground as authorities assessed the situation.
The warning was later lifted after authorities found no major change in sea levels that would indicate a destructive tsunami threat. However, residents remained alert because aftershocks continued in the region.
Residents also reported seeing the sea recede in some coastal areas during the evacuation, increasing fears of a tsunami and prompting people to move away from the shoreline.
At Least Two Killed in Indonesia Earthquake
Indonesian disaster officials confirmed two fatalities after the earthquake.
“At this point there are two reported fatalities” — a man and a woman, disaster agency spokesperson Berton Suar Pelita Panjaitan told reporters in Jakarta.
“Once the data are confirmed, we will officially announce the final number of casualties and the extent of damage to buildings caused by the earthquake,” he said.
Officials continued to assess affected locations, meaning the casualty and damage figures could change as teams reach more communities.
Earthquake Today in Indonesia: Damage Report
The earthquake caused structural damage in several parts of Flores. Buildings and homes sustained damage, while some structures partially or completely collapsed.
In Maumere, a port terminal waiting-room structure collapsed. At the Ritapiret Seminary, a roof gave way while students and nuns fled the building, injuring at least one priest. Authorities also moved hospital patients and established outdoor treatment areas as a precaution.
Emergency teams continued inspections to determine the full extent of the destruction.
Are Earthquakes Common in Indonesia?
Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. The country experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity because several tectonic plates meet around the Indonesian archipelago.
Flores has also faced deadly earthquakes in the past. The region experienced a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 1992, when around 2,500 people died on Flores Island.
The latest earthquake once again highlighted the risks faced by communities living close to active seismic zones.
Earthquake Today in Indonesia: Safety Advisory
Residents in areas affected by strong shaking should follow instructions from local authorities and emergency services.
People near the coast should not return to beaches or low-lying areas simply because the initial tsunami warning has ended. They should remain alert to official updates, particularly if authorities issue fresh evacuation instructions after an aftershock.
During strong aftershocks, residents should move away from damaged buildings, avoid falling debris and stay in open areas away from unstable structures and utility lines.
Anyone trapped or injured should contact local emergency services and seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
Earthquake Today in Indonesia: Helpline Number
Indonesia’s government operates the 112 emergency call service, which connects callers with emergency agencies and can be used for situations involving disasters and threats to life. The service operates 24 hours in areas where the system has been implemented and is available free of charge.
The National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) also operates an emergency operations contact, with its Pusdalop BNPB listed at +62 21 29827444 and 117.
People in affected locations should also follow instructions from local disaster management agencies, police and other emergency responders.
Indonesia Earthquake Today: Latest Update
The immediate tsunami threat has eased after authorities lifted the warning, but the situation remains under assessment because of ongoing aftershocks and building damage.
With two deaths already confirmed and damage reported across several communities, emergency agencies continue to inspect structures, assist affected residents and update the public as more information becomes available.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Indonesia earthquake, aftershocks, casualty figures, tsunami status, evacuation orders and damage reports from Flores and other affected areas
