At least 47 individuals lost their lives following a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake and numerous aftershocks that hit off the eastern coast of Indonesia on Saturday, according to the latest report from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). Approximately 2,000 people have evacuated to safer locations.

The closest region to the epicenter, Nagekeo, remains inaccessible to rescue teams due to landslides blocking roads and disrupting communication channels, as confirmed by officials. The tsunami alert was lifted three hours after the earthquake struck.

A resident of Talibura village in East Nusa Tenggara, Nona, described the earthquake as massive, prompting all 13 occupants of their home to flee for safety. In Maumere, a port town, rescue efforts uncovered 20 fatalities, six injuries, and two individuals trapped under debris, reported Fathur Rahman, the head of the city’s rescue agency.

Suharyanto, the BNPB chief, stated that residents are still trapped in buildings in affected areas, with landslides obstructing roads. Efforts to reach Nagekeo have been hindered by landslides, with communication signals disrupted in the region.

The governor of East Nusa Tenggara Province, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, disclosed that at least five people died due to collapsing structures while they were asleep. Initial data from BNPB indicated significant damage to residential and public buildings, schools, health facilities, places of worship, and infrastructure.

Videos from the disaster site showed buildings crumbling as people ran for safety, with reports of heavy damage and evacuations in Nagekeo. Residents across multiple regions felt strong tremors lasting about a minute, prompting many to flee their homes.

Indonesia, situated on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” an area known for frequent seismic activity due to tectonic plate interactions, faces a high risk of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.