7.7 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia: 20 dead

In the statement made by the US Geological Survey (USGS), it was stated that the epicenter of the earthquake was 68 kilometers northwest of the Flores region of Indonesia.

In the statement, it was stated that the 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. East Nusa Tenggara State Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said that those who died died in their sleep as a result of the collapse of the buildings. Search and rescue teams started working to save those trapped in buildings damaged by the earthquake and dozens of aftershocks.

STRONG AFTERSHASHES HAVE BEEN OCCURRED IN A SESSION

According to the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, the earthquake hit the island of Flores before 05:00 local time. In the video taken in Maumere port, large pieces of concrete broke off from the terminal building and fell on passengers waiting to board the inter-island ferry.

After the earthquake, aftershocks of magnitude 5.6 to 6.1 occurred in the same region. The public was called to be careful about the risk of tsunami. After the authorities issued a tsunami warning, many people fled inland on motorcycles.

LOSS OF LIFE MAY INCREASE

According to the BBC, Indonesian officials stated that 20 people lost their lives in the earthquake. It is feared that the loss of life will increase due to the destruction.

The country's national disaster prevention agency, BNPB, also advised people to stay calm and avoid coastal areas. The statement stated that "citizens should avoid entering buildings, especially those with cracks or structural damage."

THE EXTENSION OF THE DAMAGE IS BEING INVESTIGATED

BNPB said, "A rapid assessment is currently being made to determine the number of deaths and the extent of damage. We will share this information once the data is verified."

While approximately 2 thousand people were evacuated in Nagekeo, it was reported that some buildings were damaged.

Arnold Welianto, who lives in Talibura village in the Sikka district of East Nusa Tenggara, stated that he was still sleeping when he felt a "very strong shaking" and said, "I suddenly woke up with a start and immediately went to my child's room. When we went out, most of the residents in our neighborhood close to the coastline left their homes, headed towards the hills and filled the roads. Some were waiting on the side of the road due to the receding sea."