Devastation in Indonesia as multiple powerful earthquakes hit in under 24 hours

Devastation in Indonesia as multiple powerful earthquakes hit in under 24 hours

Indonesia was rocked by three major earthquakes within 24 hours, with a powerful 7.7-magnitude quake striking off Flores on Saturday, killing at least 47 people and triggering tsunami warnings. The strongest tremor struck off the coast of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara, near Ende, at around 5.58 am local time. The quake was shallow, at a depth of about 10 km, causing widespread shaking, damaging buildings and triggering landslides.

Authorities said at least 47 people were killed, with more injured, while rescue operations were complicated by blocked roads, damaged infrastructure and disrupted communications. Maumere in Sikka Regency was among the worst-hit areas, with deaths reported after buildings collapsed. The earthquake also triggered a tsunami warning for parts of eastern Indonesia. The warning was later lifted, although tsunami waves were recorded, with one reaching about 1.6 metres in Riung village, according to reports.

The 7.7 quake was followed by more than 230 aftershocks, including a powerful tremor measuring around 6.1. But the Flores disaster was not Indonesia's only major seismic event in the period. A 6.9-magnitude earthquake also struck Sumatra, but the depth was 172km deep and the quake was not as disastrous.

EarthquakeTrack's latest Indonesia listing also shows several other significant tremors, including earthquakes measuring 6.1 and 5.7, alongside a series of smaller shocks. The data also suggests that within the past 24 hours, Indonesia has witnessed 35 earthquakes measuring above 1.5 magnitude. Indonesia sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a highly active seismic zone where several tectonic plates meet, making the country particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis.