Two Strong Earthquakes Hit Indonesia in One Day: 7.7 Magnitude Quake Off Flores Island Kills 47

(Maumere / Penang, 16th, Comprehensive News) A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the waters off eastern Indonesia's Flores Island, resulting in at least 47 deaths; about 12 hours later, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake occurred in North Sumatra Province, with tremors felt as far away as Penang, Malaysia.

According to information from the U.S. Geological Survey, the 7.7-magnitude quake occurred at 6 a.m. on Saturday (August 15), Singapore time 5 a.m., with its epicenter offshore north of Flores Island, east of Bali, about 68 kilometers northwest of the coastal town of Ende, and at a depth of about 15 kilometers.

The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency said that at least 52 aftershocks were recorded, with magnitudes ranging from 3.6 to 6.2.

The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency pointed out that the tremors were strong and lasted about one minute in Nagakeo Regency, Sikka Regency, and West Manggarai Regency on Flores Island; even some parts of South Sulawesi Island also felt obvious tremors.

Authorities temporarily issued a tsunami warning, and some coastal areas measured waves as high as 1.6 meters. The warning was lifted three hours after the earthquake, but people were urged not to return to damaged buildings, in case aftershocks cause them to collapse.

As of Saturday night, the death toll had risen to 47, with 50 others injured and about 2,000 fleeing their homes. Preliminary assessments by the authorities showed that 157 houses were severely damaged, and at least 300 buildings, schools, medical facilities, and public infrastructure were also damaged.

The Indonesian government has delivered 50,000 relief supplies to the disaster area, with a total weight of 275 tons.

According to Fatur, head of the Maumere City rescue agency, rescuers found 20 victims' bodies near the Maumere port, six others were injured, and two more were trapped under the rubble.

Landslides Triggered by the Earthquake Hinder Rescuers From Reaching Disaster Areas
Landslides caused by the earthquake cut off multiple roads, obstructing rescuers from reaching the affected areas.

Fatur said communications in the Nagakeo area were affected, and roads were blocked by landslides; another rescue team is trying to reach the area by ferry.

Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency chief Suharyanto said some people were still trapped in buildings. "These people will be the first targets for the disaster response teams to rescue."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on social media, saying the EU is ready at any time to deploy the Copernicus Earth Observation satellites to assist in search and rescue.

Flores Island is one of the main islands of East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, and is also a popular tourist destination. Due to the earthquake, many domestic flights to East Nusa Tenggara Province have been canceled.

The Chinese Consulate-General in Denpasar issued a notice reminding Chinese citizens in the area to guard against earthquakes and tsunamis, especially tourists in the Labuan Bajo area of East Nusa Tenggara, to remain highly vigilant.

According to China News Service, citing the consulate in Denpasar, three Chinese tourists sustained minor injuries in the earthquake.

The Indonesian Meteorological Agency said this earthquake was caused by fault activity near Flores Island and was the first time in more than 30 years that a quake above magnitude 7 had hit the area. A similar magnitude 7+ earthquake struck the area in 1992, triggering tsunami which caused over 2,000 deaths or disappearances.

In North Sumatra Province, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck in the evening on Saturday, with a depth of 168 kilometers. The epicenter was about 11 kilometers southeast of Simalungun, on the southern side of the famous resort Lake Toba. There are currently no reports of casualties or damage.

According to Sin Chew Daily, after the earthquake, tremors were felt along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, with many Penang residents, particularly those in high-rise buildings, experiencing shaking. The Malaysian Meteorological Department stated the quake posed no tsunami threat to Malaysia.