A 7.7‑magnitude quake struck the island of Flores around 05:00 local time, leaving five dead and pounding the region with a series of violent aftershocks. The governor of East Nusa Tenggara, Emanuel Laka Lena, told reporters that the victims had been asleep when the floor gave way and turned over by the shaking debris.
Search‑and‑rescue crews are working through the rubble, scrambling to free survivors from damaged buildings. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency reports the quake had a shallow depth of 15 km, adding to the damage potential.
A strong 6.1‑magnitude aftershock rattled the area, and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) lifted a tsunami warning after it calmed — a relief for coastal towns that already had residents fleeing inland on motorbikes.
Video from the port in Maumere shows concrete chunks hurling from the terminal, some falling into the sea as the gangway collapsed. Behind the chaos, people filled the streets as the sea receded, creating a surreal and dangerous scene.
BNPB issued a calm call: "Avoid coastal areas. Residents should also stay away from buildings that show cracks or structural damage." A rapid assessment is underway to confirm casualties and gauge the total impact.
Local accounts painted a harrowing picture of the lull after the quake. Arnold Welianto, who lives in Talibura village, Sikka, said he was still asleep when the tremor struck, then fled to his child’s room and watched neighbors flee their homes to the hills. The receding sea confused many, prompting frantic runs to community health centres, where evacuees were already waiting.
With about 2,000 residents evacuated in Nagekeo and damage reported to numerous buildings, the far‑reaching effects of the quake are still unfolding. Rescue crews continue to work through the complex terrain of the remote, mountainous province while authorities encourage patience and caution as they mourn the dead and plan for reconstruction.
