New Delhi: A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Indonesia’s western island of Sumatra on Saturday, just hours after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit
the country’s eastern region, killing at least 47 people and triggering a major rescue operation.
The second earthquake struck North Sumatra at a depth of around 172.5 km, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage from the deeper tremor.
The earlier and far more destructive earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara early Saturday. The 7.7-magnitude quake caused widespread destruction, landslides and panic across several districts.
7.7 quake devastated Flores
The Flores earthquake struck at a relatively shallow depth, making its shaking particularly destructive. At least 47 people were initially reported dead, while hundreds were injured and thousands displaced. More recent reports put the death toll at 51, with rescue teams still searching affected areas.
More than 5,000 people were evacuated, while roads were blocked by landslides and communications were disrupted in some of the worst-hit areas. Hundreds of homes and public buildings were damaged or destroyed.
The earthquake also triggered a temporary tsunami warning. The warning was later lifted after authorities found no major ongoing tsunami threat, although small waves were recorded along parts of the coast.
Hundreds of aftershocks reported
The Flores quake was followed by hundreds of aftershocks, with the strongest measuring around magnitude 6.2. Rescue operations have been complicated by damaged roads, landslides and the difficulty of reaching remote communities.
Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet. Flores itself has experienced major earthquakes before, including a devastating 1992 quake and tsunami that killed more than 2,500 people.
The occurrence of two powerful earthquakes in different parts of Indonesia within hours has renewed attention on the country’s exposure to seismic hazards, although the deep 6.9-magnitude Sumatra earthquake has not been linked to the deadly Flores event.
