7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Kills 14 in Indonesia, Tsunami Warning Issued
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province, killing at least 14 people and triggering a tsunami warning that prompted thousands to flee coastal areas. The quake struck while many residents were asleep, causing homes to collapse, officials said.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) confirmed the death toll in a statement, but cautioned that the number was provisional. "A rapid assessment is currently underway to determine the number of casualties and the extent of the impact," the agency said. "We will provide that information after the data has been verified."
Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena told a news conference that the victims were killed in their sleep by collapsing rubble. He added that the provincial administration was working with national agencies to respond to the disaster.
The earthquake was followed by strong aftershocks, including one of magnitude 6.1. Shallow earthquakes, such as this one, release energy closer to the Earth's surface, which can cause more intense ground shaking and greater destruction. This explains the severity of the damage reported in some areas.
At the port in Maumere, video footage showed large chunks of concrete falling from a terminal building onto passengers waiting to board an inter-island ferry. A gangway to a ship collapsed, throwing some people into the sea. The footage, which was widely shared on social media, highlights the sudden danger of the tremor.
Following the quake, authorities issued a tsunami warning. A stream of people could be seen moving inland on motorbikes, while others sought higher ground. The BNPB said around 2,000 people had evacuated or voluntarily relocated. The agency advised people to stay away from coastal areas and remain calm.
"Residents should also avoid entering buildings, especially those that have already sustained cracks or structural damage," BNPB said in its advisory.
The affected region is remote and mountainous, which will complicate rescue operations and damage assessments. Roads may be blocked, and communication lines could be down, slowing the flow of information. The BNPB acknowledged that it would take time to understand the full scale of the destruction.
Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone where several tectonic plates meet. Earthquakes are frequent, and the archipelago has a history of devastating tremors. The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami killed over 200,000 people in 14 countries, most of them in Indonesia's Aceh province. More recently, in 2018, a magnitude 7.5 quake and tsunami on Sulawesi island caused thousands of casualties.
While the current earthquake is smaller than these past disasters, it is a reminder of the persistent risks faced by communities in the region. Emergency teams are working to reach affected areas, and officials have urged residents to cooperate with evacuation orders. The death toll may rise as search and rescue efforts continue.
