Indonesia’s eastern Flores region was hit by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake early Saturday, killing at least one person and injuring four others, authorities said.
The earthquake struck shortly before 5 a.m. local time in the Flores region of East Nusa Tenggara, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency. The quake occurred at a depth of 15 kilometres.
The tremor sent residents running into the streets in Maumere, the main city on Flores Island. Authorities also issued a tsunami warning as a precaution. They later lifted the warning.
Debris falls on passengers at port
Video from Maumere port showed large pieces of concrete falling from a terminal building onto passengers waiting to board an inter-island ferry.
Part of the walkway leading to the vessel also collapsed. Some people reportedly fell into the sea.
After the tsunami warning, large numbers of residents rode motorcycles away from the coastal area towards inland locations.
Search and rescue teams have reached Maumere. They are searching damaged buildings for people who may be trapped under the rubble.
Death toll revised
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, known as BNPB, initially reported two deaths following the earthquake.
The agency later revised the figure after officials verified information on the ground.
BNPB said its latest confirmed figures showed one person had died and four others had been injured.
The agency said it revised the death toll after field personnel checked and verified reports from the affected area.
Strong aftershocks reported
Several strong aftershocks hit the region after the main earthquake. One of them measured 6.1 in magnitude.
Authorities urged residents to remain calm and stay away from coastal areas.
They also warned people not to enter buildings that had suffered cracks or structural damage during the earthquake.
Damage assessment underway
BNPB said the immediate priority was to protect residents and prevent further casualties from aftershocks and other potential hazards.
Authorities are assessing damage and casualties across the affected area.
Officials warned that it could take time to establish the full extent of the damage. The region is relatively remote and includes mountainous terrain.
