Indonesia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 20 as Rescue Operations Continue

The death toll from a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck off the northern coast of Indonesia’s Flores Island has risen to 20, as search and rescue operations continue.

The earthquake struck early Saturday in East Nusa Tenggara province, triggering several strong aftershocks. Rescue teams are working to assess the extent of the damage and search affected areas for survivors.

Authorities said buildings and homes were damaged, while landslides blocked or damaged several roads. Governor Melki Laka Lena said officials were still gathering information to determine the full scale of the destruction.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake occurred at 5:58 a.m. local time at a relatively shallow depth, with the epicentre located about 68 kilometres from Ende.

Indonesia is highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because it lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” one of the world’s most seismically active regions.

Rescue and assessment operations are continuing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the casualties and damage.

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