A powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday, killing at least 51 people and forcing around 5,000 residents to evacuate, authorities said.
The quake hit East Nusa Tenggara province and was followed by around 341 aftershocks. At least 36 people suffered serious injuries, while 77 others sustained minor injuries, according to Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus.
The Sikka region was among the worst-hit areas, with more than 3,300 people either self-evacuating or taking shelter at a sports arena. Residents reported fleeing their homes as tides rose following the powerful tremor.
More than 1,300 homes were damaged, while landslides blocked roads and temporarily cut off parts of Maumere. Rescue teams have since reached areas that were inaccessible due to the landslides.
More than 3,500 military and police personnel have been deployed to support rescue and relief operations. Authorities are also considering declaring a provincial emergency to facilitate the mobilisation of additional resources and funding.
Power outages have also disrupted fuel supplies, with 20 petrol stations reportedly out of operation, according to state energy company Pertamina.
The earthquake is Indonesia’s deadliest since a 2022 earthquake in West Java killed hundreds of people. The affected region was previously struck by a magnitude-7.5 earthquake in 1992 that caused widespread destruction.
Indonesia is highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet.