Atleast 20 dead after Indonesia's 7.7 magnitude earthquake

At least 20 people were killed and several others injured after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's eastern coast early Saturday, triggering dozens of aftershocks, damaging buildings and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
According to agency reports,authorities stated tsunami waves measuring less than one metre were recorded in several parts of the Southeast Asian nation following the undersea earthquake. However, the tsunami warning issued after the quake was lifted nearly three hours later.The worst-hit area was around the port town of Maumere on Flores Island, where rescue teams recovered 20 bodies. Six people were reported injured, while two others remained trapped beneath collapsed structures, according to local rescue officials.
The earthquake struck at 4:58 a.m. local time at a depth of 15 kilometres, according to Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The agency also recorded dozens of aftershocks in the hours that followed.Rescue operations continued throughout the day, but authorities faced significant challenges in reaching some of the most severely affected areas.
Communication networks in Nagekeo Regency, located closest to the earthquake's epicentre, were disrupted, complicating efforts to assess the extent of the damage. Rescue teams attempting to reach the area by road were blocked by landslides, forcing emergency personnel to seek alternative routes, including transportation by ferry.According to Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) nearly 2,000 residents in Nagekeo had been evacuated. Initial assessments indicated extensive damage to homes, warehouses and government buildings.Power outages and severe traffic congestion further hampered relief efforts across the region.
East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said at least five people died after buildings collapsed while residents were asleep.The official death toll remained unclear as different agencies continued to compile information from remote areas. BNPB said it was still collecting data and warned that casualty figures could rise as rescue teams gained access to isolated communities.
Eyewitness accounts described scenes of panic as residents rushed out of their homes after being awakened by the powerful tremors."The earthquake was extremely strong. We were resting at home with our family when the shaking began," said Nona, a 51-year-old resident of Talibura village. "There were 13 of us inside the house, and everyone ran outside to save themselves."Strong tremors were felt across several provinces, including East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and parts of South Sulawesi. According to disaster management officials, the shaking lasted for nearly a minute in some areas.
Television footage from Ende district showed hospital staff moving patients outdoors as a precaution against possible structural damage and aftershocks. Local media also reported landslides in several locations.Indonesia's geophysics agency noted that the region has experienced major seismic activity in the past. In 1992, the same area was struck by a magnitude-7.5 earthquake that caused widespread destruction.Australia's tsunami warning centre said the earthquake posed no tsunami threat to the Australian mainland or its territories.