Five dead after 7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia

At least five people have died when a 7.7‑magnitude earthquake struck the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara early on Saturday. Provincial governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said the victims were killed while sleeping as buildings collapsed around them.

Search and rescue teams are working to free any residents trapped by the quake and strong aftershocks, including a 6.1 magnitude tremor. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics agency reported the fault had a depth of 15 km.

A tsunami warning was issued but lifted about three hours later. Residents were told to stay away from beaches and damaged structures as a rapid assessment is underway.

The quake arrived just before 05:00 local time and hit a remote, mountainous region. About 2,000 people in Nagekeo village were evacuated and buildings reported damage.

Arnold Welianto from Talibura village recalled the shaking, midnight panic, and the sea receding before he and his neighbors fled to higher ground. Ongoing aftershocks have made many people reluctant to return home.