Jakarta (AsiaNews) – A violent 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province, in the early hours today, causing casualties, collapses, and an immediate tsunami warning.
Indonesian authorities have urged residents of the affected coastal areas to evacuate, although no damage from the sea has been reported for several hours.
The earthquake was recorded at 4:58 am local time, with its epicentre about 30 kilometres northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, at a depth of 15 kilometres.
According to initial reports, the death toll rose to 38, although the figure is still being verified and could increase as rescue operations and information gathering continue.
NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena had initially reported 33 deaths: three in Sikka Regency, one in Ende, 14 in Manggarai, 14 in East Manggarai, and one in West Manggarai.
Subsequent reports brought the provisional death toll to 38. In Maumere, part of the Lorens Say port is also said to have collapsed.
Most people on Flores Island are Catholic. A young seminarian from the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, who was attending the major seminary in Ritapiret, is among the confirmed victims. The school sustained serious damage.
The earthquake rekindled memories of the devastating earthquake that hit Flores on 12 December 1992, a magnitude 7.8 tremor off the island that triggered a tsunami with waves up to about 26 metres high.
At least 2,500 people died or went missing, including approximately 1,490 in Maumere and 700 on Babi Island. More than 500 people were injured, and approximately 90,000 were forced to abandon their homes.
The 1992 tragedy also highlighted Indonesia's limited capabilities in tsunami research and monitoring.
After the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, however, the country significantly boosted scientific research, preparedness and prevention systems.
Flores now faces a new emergency as rescue teams and local authorities continue to assess the damage and search for any missing persons.
