Indonesia's Flores Island hit by powerful quake

Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province has declared a 14-day emergency response following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Flores Island. The decree aims to streamline disaster response, evacuation, and relief distribution efforts.The earthquake, centered 30 kilometers northeast of Mbay in Nagekeo Regency, triggered widespread panic. A tsunami warning was immediately issued for several coastal areas, prompting residents to seek higher ground. While the warning was later lifted, tsunami waves reaching up to 1.61 meters were observed in some locations.The earthquake has resulted in significant casualties, with at least 53 people reported dead and 135 injured. The National Disaster Management Agency confirmed extensive damage to infrastructure from the quake and its 340 aftershocks. Over 9,290 individuals have been displaced, with thousands in temporary shelters across affected regencies.Preliminary assessments reveal severe damage to 914 houses, 126 moderately damaged, and 317 lightly damaged. Numerous public facilities, including educational, health, and government offices, were also affected. Landslides, triggered by the earthquake, have blocked vital roads, including the Trans-Flores highway, hindering rescue and relief operations. Power outages and communication disruptions have further complicated efforts to assess the full extent of the disaster and reach remote villages. Aid and emergency services, including the Indonesian Red Cross, are providing assistance, medical support, and logistical coordination.