A powerful earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia, leading to at least 20 confirmed deaths and numerous injuries. The quake, which occurred early Saturday morning, triggered tsunami waves of less than 1 meter, prompting a temporary tsunami warning that was lifted after three hours.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, particularly in the port town of Maumere, where the majority of casualties were reported. Communication issues and landslides have hindered access to the nearby region of Nagekeo, which is closest to the epicenter. Approximately 2,000 residents evacuated from Nagekeo, and damage to homes and infrastructure has been reported.
The Indonesian geophysics agency recorded the quake at a depth of 15 km and noted that the area has a history of seismic activity, including a devastating earthquake in 1992. This event underscores the ongoing risks associated with living in a seismically active region, which could have implications for local economies and disaster preparedness efforts