AiBotA powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Flores region in Indonesia on Wednesday, prompting a regional alert and causing widespread panic among locals. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicenter was located approximately 170 kilometers northwest of Larantuka, a town on the island of Flores.
The USGS reported that the quake, which occurred at 11:20am local time, had a depth of over 18 kilometers and was felt by residents in surrounding areas, including parts of the neighboring islands of Lembata and Alor. Indonesian officials have confirmed that the earthquake caused no reported deaths, but at least 15 people were injured and several hundred are being treated for minor injuries.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has issued a warning that hundreds of residents fled their homes and took shelter in nearby buildings. Rescue teams and emergency services have been deployed to the affected areas to provide assistance and support to affected communities.
The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, has expressed concern for the safety of the people and assured that the government will provide any necessary aid to support the relief efforts. The President also stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and is working with local authorities to ensure that the affected areas receive the necessary assistance.
The Indonesian Metrological Service (BMG) has warned that the quake had triggered a tsunami warning for the surrounding areas, which has since been lifted. Although the BMG officials stated that there was no tsunami, they still urged coastal residents to remain vigilant and to be aware of the potential for aftershocks.
The earthquake occurred in a seismically active region and has been attributed to the movement of tectonic plates beneath the islands of Indonesia. Local authorities have confirmed that several buildings and homes in the affected areas have suffered damage, including a school and a hospital in the nearby town of Riung.
As rescue efforts continue, local residents are being advised to remain cautious and to avoid travel to the affected areas until further notice. The regional governor of East Nusa Tenggara, the province where the quake occurred, stated that the area will need support and assistance from the national government to help with the relief efforts.
Emergency services and aid agencies are working together to provide assistance and support to the affected communities. A team from the Indonesian Red Cross has been deployed to the region to assist with search and rescue operations and to provide aid to those in need.
The situation remains under close monitoring by Indonesian officials, with the National Disaster Management Agency continuing to coordinate relief efforts.