Indonesia Flores Earthquake: 5.9 Quake Hits Region, Kill Over 50

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A 5.9 magnitude Indonesia Flores earthquake struck early Monday, two days after a powerful 7.7 magnitude quake.
The earlier earthquake killed at least 53 people and displaced thousands across Flores.
More than 230 aftershocks were recorded following the major earthquake.

Jakarta: A 5.9 magnitude Indonesia flores earthquake struck early Monday, adding to a series of tremors that have shaken the region since a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the island two days earlier.

The latest earthquake occurred at a depth of around 10 kilometres, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). Its epicentre was initially located at approximately 8.57 degrees south latitude and 121.55 degrees east longitude.

There were no immediate reports of deaths or significant new damage from Monday’s earthquake. However, the latest tremor comes as rescue teams remain engaged in difficult operations following the earlier disaster.

Indonesia Flores Earthquake Follows Deadly 7.7 Quake

The earlier 7.7 magnitude earthquake affected six regencies and caused widespread disruption. Landslides blocked roads, infrastructure was damaged and communication networks were disrupted in several areas.

Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency reported at least 53 deaths from the earlier earthquake. The toll could rise as emergency teams work to reach badly affected areas, particularly Nagekeo regency, where access has been restricted by landslides and damaged roads.

More than 230 aftershocks were recorded through Saturday, with the strongest measuring magnitude 6.2, according to data cited from the US Geological Survey. A separate magnitude 6.9 earthquake was also reported in Sumatra, far from the Flores disaster zone.

Indonesia Flores Earthquake Keeps Rescue Teams on Alert

The continuing seismic activity presents an additional challenge for rescue and relief teams working in already damaged areas.

Indonesia has declared a 14 day emergency response period following the major earthquake. Search and rescue operations continued on Sunday, with authorities focusing on locating survivors, assessing structural damage and delivering essential supplies.

The latest tremor means authorities must continue monitoring affected communities while rescue operations remain underway. Further aftershocks could create additional risks around damaged buildings, unstable slopes and blocked transport routes.

Flores Earthquake Damage and Relief Efforts

Preliminary assessments following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake found damage to at least 914 homes, 93 educational facilities, 36 health facilities and 38 government offices.

Fuel and liquefied petroleum gas supplies have been restored in parts of Flores, helping authorities and residents manage essential needs. Nearly 6,000 people were reported to be sheltering in areas including Sikka, Manggarai, Nagekeo, Bima and Selayar.