Indonesia's Flores Island Hit by 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake, At Least 47 Killed

Flores Island in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara Province Hit by 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake, at Least 47 Dead

Recently, Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara Province experienced a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has resulted in at least 47 fatalities, with many others injured. The epicenter of the earthquake was located off the coast of Flores Island, which is a region within Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara Province.

Flores Island is situated in Indonesia's eastern region and is part of a chain of islands, covering an area of approximately 14,250 square kilometers. According to the 2020 census, the island has a population of 1,878,875, which is estimated to have reached 2,014,110 by mid-2024. The main cities on the island include Ende and Maumere. The name Flores Island originates from the Portuguese language, meaning "flower".

Located to the east of Flores Island is the Sumbawa Island, to the west is the Komodo Islands, to the south lies the eastern coast of East Nusa Tenggara Province, and to the east, it faces the Aru Islands and the Solor Islands across the sea. With a population of over 2 million, Flores Island is one of the 10 most populous islands in Indonesia, ranking second only to Java Island, Sumatra Island, Borneo, Sulawesi Island, New Guinea Island, Bali Island, Lombok Island, and Timor Island.

The extent of damage caused by the earthquake is still being assessed, but it is known that multiple buildings have been damaged, roads have been severed, and the power supply has been affected. Local authorities are conducting search and rescue efforts and urging the public to remain in safe locations, awaiting assistance.