A6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia on Saturday afternoon, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), hours after a powerful 7.7-magnitude tremor hit the country’s Flores region, killing at least 38 people.
The NCS said the 6.5-magnitude earthquake occurred at 4:24 pm IST on August 15. Its epicentre was located at 3.043°N latitude and 99.105°E longitude. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage from the latest tremor.
Deadly earthquake kills 38 in East Nusa Tenggara
Earlier on Saturday, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Nagekeo district in East Nusa Tenggara, leaving at least 38 people dead and 13 injured, Indonesia’s disaster management agency said.
Two of the injured were in serious condition, while the remaining 11 suffered minor injuries. Around 2,000 residents were forced to evacuate their homes as authorities responded to the disaster.
The powerful quake damaged and collapsed buildings and triggered landslides, while some roads were blocked, hampering rescue and relief operations. Communication problems and difficult access to areas near the epicentre further complicated the response.
Tsunami warning lifted after major quake
A tsunami warning was issued following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake but was later lifted after authorities determined that there was no significant continuing threat.
Residents in areas close to the epicentre reportedly moved to higher ground after witnesses said the sea had temporarily retreated, a phenomenon that can precede a tsunami.
