Indonesia has confirmed at least 47 fatalities following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck early Saturday, according to the country’s disaster mitigation agency. The death toll continues to climb as search and rescue efforts intensify.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that numerous individuals have sustained injuries of varying severity. The quake, which occurred near the island of Flores just before 05:00 local time, originated at a depth of 15 kilometers, as stated by Indonesia’s meteorology and geophysics agency. Experts note that the shallow depth of the tremor amplified its destructive impact on the surface.

In the aftermath, hundreds of buildings across the region suffered damage, compounded by dozens of aftershocks. Among them was a 6.4-magnitude quake in North Sumatra, later measured at 6.9 by the U.S. Geological Survey. The BNPB recorded this aftershock at a depth of 163 kilometers.

Dramatic footage captured at Maumere’s port revealed large sections of a terminal building collapsing onto passengers awaiting an inter-island ferry. Witnesses described how the gangway to a vessel gave way, hurling several people into the sea. Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, governor of East Nusa Tenggara province, confirmed that many victims were killed in their sleep when debris fell on their homes.

Residents in coastal areas reported chaotic scenes as authorities issued a tsunami warning. Arnold Welianto, who lives in Talibura, a village near Sikka in East Nusa Tenggara, recounted being jolted awake by violent shaking. "I rushed to my child’s room immediately," he said. Many locals had already fled to higher ground, while others gathered along the shoreline after noticing the sea recede. "The water stayed low for some time, causing panic. Everyone ran," Welianto added. He observed that nearby health centers had already begun evacuations.

The tsunami alert was lifted approximately three hours after the initial quake, following confirmation that no significant sea level rise had occurred. Despite this, around 2,000 people either evacuated or relocated independently, according to the BNPB. Motorcyclists were seen streaming inland as a precaution.

The disaster agency identified Manggarai province as one of the hardest-hit areas. Fatalities have been recorded across multiple regions, including 24 in Manggarai, 17 in East Manggarai, three in Sikka, and at least one each in Ngada, Ende, and West Manggarai. At least two individuals sustained serious injuries, while 11 others suffered minor wounds.

Fear of aftershocks has kept many residents outdoors. Welianto noted that people in Talibura were reluctant to return home, opting instead to stay outside. Yulian Juita Ekalia, a university lecturer in Ruteng, a city west of the epicenter, described the quake as unlike anything she had experienced. "It felt as if we were on a trampoline—terrifying," she told AFP. She had moved her stove outside and was cooking there to avoid potential structural damage from further tremors.

The full scale of the destruction remains unclear, particularly in the remote and mountainous regions affected. Initial assessments indicate severe damage to over 150 homes, along with numerous schools, healthcare facilities, places of worship, and government buildings. The BNPB has begun dispatching aid to the impacted areas while urging residents to remain vigilant. Authorities advised staying away from coastal zones and any structures showing signs of instability.

Indonesia’s susceptibility to earthquakes and volcanic activity stems from its position along the convergence of three major tectonic plates. The country continues to grapple with the aftermath of this latest disaster as recovery efforts unfold.

Those affected by the earthquake are encouraged to share their experiences if it is safe to do so. Individuals in Indonesia can reach out through the provided contact channels.