A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7, which occurred on Saturday off the coast of the Indonesian island of Flores, claimed the lives of at least 20 people. Six others were injured, and at least two people remain trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Reports of fatalities have come from four different localities. Rescue services continue their search and rescue operation, but their efforts are hindered by damaged roads, communication disruptions, and the aftermath of numerous aftershocks. After the initial tremors, authorities issued a tsunami warning; however, the warning was lifted a few hours later as no dangerous waves were detected. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake's epicenter was located in the sea approximately 68 kilometers from the city of Ende, and the focus was at a depth of about 10 kilometers. Several strong aftershocks occurred in the region following the main tremor. The island of Flores, a popular tourist destination in eastern Indonesia, was hit hardest. Residential homes, government buildings, warehouses, and other structures were damaged, and power outages occurred in several areas. Even after the tsunami threat was lifted, the danger for residents did not completely disappear. Aftershocks may continue for some time, so rescue services are still inspecting the damaged buildings and urging people to exercise caution. Indonesia is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions in the world, where strong earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur regularly.
