SIKKA, Indonesia — An Indonesia earthquake measuring magnitude 7.7 killed at least 51 people and forced around 5,000 residents to evacuate after the powerful tremor struck East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday morning. The disaster blocked roads, triggered landslides and damaged more than 1,300 homes, while authorities deployed thousands of military and police personnel for rescue and relief operations.
- At least 51 people were killed in the magnitude-7.7 earthquake.
- About 5,000 people were evacuated, with more than 3,300 affected in the Sikka region.
- Thirty-six people suffered serious injuries and 77 sustained minor injuries.
- More than 3,500 military and police personnel were deployed as rescuers cleared landslide-blocked areas.
Indonesia Earthquake Leaves Sikka Residents Outside Their Homes
The strongest impact was reported in Sikka, where thousands of residents either evacuated themselves or gathered in safer locations following the quake. More than 3,300 people were reported to have self-evacuated or taken shelter at a sports arena, according to Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency BNPB.
Some residents remained outside damaged homes under makeshift shelters made from tarpaulins. In the port town of Maumere, medical treatment was also being provided in a tent outside a hospital as communities dealt with the aftermath.
Abdul Mutas, 63, told Reuters that he and his family slept on a tarp surrounded by trees after fleeing their home. He described rising tides as they reacted to the earthquake.
Simon Subandi, deputy regent of Sikka, told KompasTV that many residents were unwilling to remain indoors and instead spent the night on porches or in tents outside their homes.
Dozens Injured as Rescue Operations Continue
Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus said 36 people had suffered serious injuries, while another 77 people sustained minor injuries. The authorities were continuing to assess the scale of the damage as rescue teams reached areas that had initially been cut off.
Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said rescuers had reached parts of Maumere that were inaccessible because of landslides. The agency reported that there was no immediate overall count of people missing, while BNPB said many people were believed to have been trapped under rubble.
The earthquake was followed by about 341 aftershocks, adding to concerns among residents already displaced from their homes.
Roads Blocked and Power Disruptions Hit Local Services
Landslides caused by the earthquake blocked roads and complicated access to affected communities. More than 1,300 houses were reported damaged, adding to the immediate shelter and recovery needs.
Power outages also disrupted fuel infrastructure. State energy company Pertamina said 20 petrol stations were not operational because of electricity failures, creating another challenge for residents and emergency operations.
More than 3,500 military and police personnel were deployed to the region, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said in a statement. Their deployment comes as authorities work to reach isolated areas and support rescue and relief efforts.
Province Considers Emergency Declaration
The East Nusa Tenggara government was considering declaring an emergency for the province, according to BNPB. Such a declaration would enable authorities to mobilise additional resources and funding for the response.
The latest disaster is particularly significant for the region because the same general area experienced a magnitude-7.5 earthquake in 1992 that caused extensive destruction, according to Indonesia’s geophysics agency.
Indonesia’s Location Raises Earthquake Risk
Indonesia is an archipelago of around 290 million people located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active region where tectonic plates meet. The country’s geographic position exposes communities to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.
The latest earthquake is described in the supplied Reuters report as Indonesia’s deadliest since a 2022 earthquake in West Java that killed hundreds of people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were evacuated after the Indonesia earthquake?
Around 5,000 people were evacuated following the magnitude-7.7 earthquake, while more than 3,300 people in the Sikka region either self-evacuated or gathered at a sports arena.
How much damage did the earthquake cause?
BNPB reported that more than 1,300 homes were damaged. Landslides also blocked roads, while power outages left 20 petrol stations unable to operate.
Rescue and Relief Efforts Underway
Authorities are continuing rescue and relief operations across affected parts of East Nusa Tenggara. Teams have begun reaching areas previously blocked by landslides, while the possible emergency declaration could provide additional resources and funding.
With thousands of residents remaining outside their homes and aftershocks continuing, emergency teams face the task of supporting displaced communities while assessing damage and searching affected areas.
