The death toll from a powerful earthquake in Indonesia has risen to 20. A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the island of Flores in the early hours of Saturday. A tsunami warning was issued but later lifted.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake struck at 5:58 a.m. local time on Saturday. Its epicenter was about 68 kilometers north-northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province. It was at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Three aftershocks were felt within half an hour of the first earthquake, measuring 5.9, 5.6, and 6.1, respectively. Officials have warned that more tremors are possible in the next few days.
Several buildings on the island collapsed and many people are feared trapped under the rubble.
Fathur Rahman, head of the search and rescue department in Maumere city, said 20 people have been confirmed dead so far. Rescue workers are searching for more survivors or dead in the rubble.
Indonesian earthquake and tsunami officials said a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in the same area in 1992 caused extensive damage. A tsunami warning was issued after this earthquake, but it was later withdrawn.
Indonesia, located on the Pacific Ocean’s ‘Ring of Fire’, is frequently hit by powerful earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
