Indonesia Earthquake Kills at Least 38 in Flores Region
A strong earthquake hit eastern Indonesia's Flores region early Saturday. It killed at least 38 people and injured six others.
The quake measured magnitude 7.7 and was shallow. It struck about 10 kilometers deep, 68 kilometers northwest of Ende.
The earthquake caused panic and collapsed buildings and homes. Landslides blocked the Trans-Flores highway.
Authorities issued a tsunami warning that has since been lifted. Thousands of people sought higher ground after the warning.
About 2,000 villagers moved to temporary shelters. Dozens of aftershocks were reported including one measuring 6.1.
Rescuers are searching through collapsed buildings for survivors. Aftershocks, power outages and widespread destruction are slowing the rescue effort.
Geophysics official Nelly Florida Riama said aftershocks are still happening. Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and faces frequent earthquakes. A 1992 earthquake and tsunami in Flores killed about 2,500 people.
Key Terms 3
- Pacific Ring of Fire A zone around the Pacific Ocean with many earthquakes and volcanoes.
- Nelly Florida Riama A deputy director for geophysics at Indonesia's weather and earthquake agency.
- Trans-Flores highway The main road running across Flores island in Indonesia.