At least five killed as 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia
13 oC
13 oC
Güneşli
13 oC
Güneşli
At least five people have been killed and two others injured after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early Saturday, causing buildings to collapse and triggering widespread panic across the region.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck the Flores region at approximately 5:58 a.m. local time at a depth of around 10 kilometres. The epicentre was located about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende, in East Nusa Tenggara province.
The powerful tremor was followed by several aftershocks, raising concerns among residents and authorities in an area that is frequently affected by strong and destructive seismic activity.
Indonesia's disaster management agency said preliminary reports from the Maumere Search and Rescue Agency indicated that at least five residents had died and two others were injured. Authorities warned that the death toll and extent of the damage could change as search and rescue teams assess affected areas.
Following the earthquake, authorities initially issued a tsunami warning, prompting concern among residents in coastal communities.
However, Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency later lifted the alert after sea-level monitoring stations detected no dangerous changes that posed a significant threat to coastal areas.
Residents in affected areas nevertheless remained on alert as aftershocks continued.
The earthquake caused significant disruption to medical facilities in the affected region.
Footage broadcast by local television stations showed patients being evacuated from several hospitals as a precaution against possible structural damage and further tremors.
Hospital workers moved essential medical equipment outside buildings, including hospital beds, intravenous stands and oxygen cylinders. Temporary treatment areas were established outdoors to allow medical staff to continue caring for patients while reducing the risk posed by potential building damage.
The powerful earthquake also caused widespread fear among residents, with reports of people rushing out of buildings following the initial tremor.
Emergency services and disaster response teams have been deployed to assess the damage, search collapsed structures and assist people affected by the earthquake.
Authorities are expected to conduct further assessments as emergency teams reach affected areas, while residents have been urged to remain vigilant because of the possibility of additional aftershocks. (ILKHA)
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