At least 20 dead from 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia

The death toll from a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake in eastern Indonesia has risen to 20, with search efforts for survivors facing difficulties.

Fathur Rahman, an Indonesian rescue official, confirmed today that at least 20 people in 4 towns on Flores island died, 6 were injured, and two remain trapped under debris after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck earlier today.

Rescue teams are searching for survivors; however, their efforts face significant challenges due to landslides that have cut off many roads. Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded tsunamis less than one meter high in several eastern Indonesian areas, reporting no additional damage.

Moments the ground shook during the earthquake in Indonesia on the morning of 15/8. Video: CNN

A video posted on social media shows a section of a building at Maumere port, in Sikka district on Flores island, collapsing as many residents screamed and fled the scene. The extent of damage on the island remains undetermined.

“The earthquake was extremely powerful, shaking violently while we were resting. There were 13 people in the house, and everyone managed to escape,” recounted Nona, a resident of Talibura village in East Nusa Tenggara province.

Approximately 2,000 residents in Nagekeo district have evacuated. Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported damage to many homes, warehouses, and government facilities. Some areas are experiencing power outages and traffic congestion.

Rescue workers inspect a damaged building in Maumere on 15/8. *AP*

Rescue forces search for survivors in East Nusa Tenggara province after the earthquake. *BASARNAS*

At least 20 fatalities were recorded by Indonesian officials as of noon on 15/8. *AP*

Residents of East Manggarai region, East Nusa Tenggara province, evacuate to higher ground after receiving a tsunami warning. *AP*

Villagers search for those buried in a collapsed house due to the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara province. *AP*

Indonesia, a nation comprising more than 17,000 islands, frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity stretching from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

The country previously recorded a 9.1 magnitude earthquake in late 2004, which occurred off the coast of Sumatra. The ensuing tsunami killed 220,000 people across the region, including approximately 170,000 in Indonesia.

In 2018, a powerful earthquake struck the resort island of Lombok, along with numerous aftershocks in the following weeks, killing more than 550 people. Also that year, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake and tsunami hit Sulawesi island, leaving more than 4,300 people dead or missing.