Powerful 7.7 quake strikes off eastern Indonesia; at least 2 dead, tsunami warning later lifted

EAST NUSA TENGGARA, Indonesia — A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.7 struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia on Saturday morning, followed by multiple aftershocks, authorities and international agencies reported. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake occurred around 06:00 local time; BMKG placed the epicenter about 68 km northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara. USGS reported the quake at 05:58 local time with a depth of 10 km.
Initial reports from the Maumere search-and-rescue agency said at least two people were killed and two injured, while official casualty and damage assessments remain incomplete. BMKG briefly issued a tsunami warning which was later canceled, according to AP and other agencies.
Dramatic images and videos showing collapsed buildings, mass evacuations and people fleeing to safety have circulated on social and international media. Reuters footage included scenes of people evacuating a hotel in Jakarta, rescue workers inspecting heavily damaged structures at the LC port area, and frightened villagers gathered outside homes in Talibura and Maumere. AP quoted a local resident reporting that the waiting room at Maumere port terminal had collapsed.
Hospitals conducted precautionary evacuations, moving patients and vital medical supplies — including beds, IV stands and oxygen cylinders — outdoors and setting up temporary treatment arrangements. Search-and-rescue teams, local authorities and volunteers are conducting relief and assessment operations across affected areas.