By Nik Nurfaqih Nik Wil
JAKARTA: At least two people have died after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the Flores region in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province early Saturday, as authorities continued to assess the damage and monitor dozens of aftershocks.
National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) acting Head of the Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre Berton Suar Pelita Panjaitan said the figure was based on the latest information received, with authorities continuing to verify the number of casualties and extent of the damage.
“We have just received the latest information that two people have died. We are continuing to monitor the information and will later officially announce the number of deaths and damage to buildings caused by the earthquake,” he told an online press conference.
The earthquake struck at 4.58 am local time, with its epicentre in the sea about 30 kilometres (km) from Mbay, East Nusa Tenggara province, at a depth of 15 km, according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
BMKG said 37 aftershocks had been recorded so far, with residents advised to remain vigilant and avoid entering damaged buildings as further tremors could occur.
However, the agency said the tsunami warning issued following the earthquake had ended at 7.30 am Western Indonesian Time, after monitoring showed no tsunami or dangerous rise in sea-levels.
BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Director Wijayanto said the magnitude 7.7 earthquake was caused by activity along the Flores Back-Arc Thrust, which has the potential to generate earthquakes of up to magnitude 7.8 to 7.9.
“Based on historical records, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred in 1992 and was extremely destructive at the time. After almost 30 years, an earthquake of this scale has occurred again,” he said.
Wijayanto said aftershocks could continue for weeks but were expected to gradually decrease in frequency and magnitude, with the strongest recorded so far measuring 6.2.
Preliminary reports indicated moderate to heavy damage in parts of Maumere, West Manggarai and Labuan Bajo, including collapsed sections of walls at some houses. Moderate damage was also reported at Maumere Port.
BMKG said teams would conduct surveys in the affected areas on Saturday, while Berton said BNPB was carrying out a rapid assessment to verify casualties, damage and the condition of health facilities and other buildings. – BERNAMA
