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Flores, Indonesia earthquake kills at least 51 and displaces thousands
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Flores region of Indonesia, specifically near the city of Ende, at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. The seismic event, which occurred in the early morning, triggered a local tsunami warning and was followed by hundreds of aftershocks, including several with magnitudes exceeding 6.0.
Casualty reports vary slightly between agencies, with the death toll estimated between 38 and 53 people and at least 135 injuries reported. The disaster has displaced more than 5,000 residents, many of whom are seeking shelter in temporary evacuation centers, sports arenas, or makeshift tents due to fears of further tremors.
Infrastructure damage is extensive. Reports indicate that over 900 homes have suffered severe damage, and more than 100 public buildings—including schools, health centers, and government offices—have been affected. Landslides have also blocked critical roads, complicating rescue efforts. While the Komodo airport remains operational, the earthquake caused significant disruption to local communications and power supplies.
Entities
BMKG · BNPB · East Nusa Tenggara · Ende · Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre · European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre · Flores · Flores Island · Indonesia · Indonesia Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency · Labuan Bajo · Maumere
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 24 SOURCES] Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued an early tsunami warning. www.takvim.com.tr · formato7.com · www.aajtak.in
- [● 27 SOURCES] The USGS reported the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. nuevolaredo.tv · www.takvim.com.tr · formato7.com · www.firmas.mx · www.telesurtv.net
- [● 6 SOURCES] The EMSC recorded the earthquake at 21:58:26 UTC on Friday, August 14.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Damage to homes has been reported on Flores Island. www.telesurtv.net
- [● 10 SOURCES] The USGS recorded aftershocks, including two with magnitudes of 5.6 and 5.9. formato7.com · www.telesurtv.net
- [● 14 SOURCES] The epicenter was located northwest of the city of Ende in the Flores region. formato7.com · www.firmas.mx · www.myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Tsunami waves of 0.19 to 0.36 meters were detected in Sikka, Labuan Bajo, and Dompu.
- [DISPUTED] The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7. elineanoticias.com · somosfan.com · www.aztecapuebla.com · croniosv.com · cybermexico.mx · +11 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The highest tsunami wave recorded was 0.94 meters in Maurole, Ende.
- [● 3 SOURCES] One person died after being crushed by building debris in Maumere.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ben Mboi Regional Hospital in Ruteng suffered severe damage.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The earthquake was caused by the Flores back-arc thrust fault.