Indonesia Flores Quake: Dozens Dead, Evacuations

A sequence of powerful earthquakes off Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara, including a 7.7-magnitude event, has killed dozens (roughly 47–53) and displaced thousands as rescuers contend with landslides and collapsed structures. The disasters damaged hundreds of homes and critical infrastructure, with thousands seeking shelter in tents or outdoors amid a surge of aftershocks well over 900 to nearly 1,000 recorded, many not felt by residents. A tsunami warning was issued and then lifted, though coastal villages reported small waves and ongoing fears of further shocks complicated search efforts. Communications outages and access problems in hard-hit areas such as Maumere, Sikka Regency, Manggarai, and Nagekeo have hampered rescue operations, delaying the response as authorities warn the toll could rise. Indonesia also experienced a separate deep 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Sumatra during the same period, underscoring regional seismic activity. Rescue crews continue to reach affected communities while officials urge shelter, supplies, and up-to-date casualty tallies as the situation stabilizes.