A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck the Flores region of Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least five people. Many residents were still asleep when the quake hit, and five people died under the rubble of collapsed buildings, according to infohub.kz.
The earthquake caused panic among the population and destroyed homes and buildings. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning, but it was later lifted. However, waves of less than one meter were recorded in several areas.
Governor of East Nusa Tenggara province, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, confirmed that five people died as a result of falling debris. The victims were asleep when the earthquake struck.
Numerous aftershocks followed the main tremor, the strongest of which had a magnitude of 6.1. Residents of coastal areas were evacuated to safety, but the danger has passed.