Kupanm, NTT. One person has died and four others were injured after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province early Saturday, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

The death was reported in the Sikka district, while the injured were recorded in the Sikka and neighboring Nagekeo district, BNPB said in an update based on information verified through 8 a.m. Jakarta time.

BNPB initially reported two deaths but revised the figure to one after field teams verified the information. The agency apologized for the discrepancy and said assessments were continuing.

The earthquake struck the Nagekeo district on Flores Island at 4:58 a.m. local time, or 3:58 a.m. in Jakarta. It was felt strongly across several parts of Flores, with residents rushing out of their homes.

Initial reports indicated structural damage in areas including El Say port in Sikka. Damage was also reported in other parts of Flores, although the full extent was still being assessed.

A joint team involving the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), military, and police was conducting evacuations and responding to affected communities, BNPB said.

In Nagekeo, the earthquake reportedly lasted for about a minute and prompted authorities to evacuate residents from coastal areas after a tsunami warning was issued.

Similar strong shaking was reported in Sikka and West Manggarai districts, where residents in coastal areas were also advised to evacuate as a precaution.

The tremor was also felt in Bima city in neighboring West Nusa Tenggara province and in parts of South Sulawesi, including Jeneponto, Selayar Islands, and Maros districts.

The tsunami warning issued after the earthquake has since been lifted, but local authorities continued to urge residents in coastal areas to remain alert and follow official instructions.

Flores Timur District Head Antonius Doni Dihen said there had been no confirmed casualties in his district, although he had received information about a possible victim from Adonara island. Officials were working to verify the report.

Antonius said Nagekeo and Sikka appeared to be among the worst-affected areas based on initial information, while damage had also been reported in other parts of Flores, including East and West Manggarai.

Flores Timur authorities have instructed district and village officials, particularly in northern coastal communities, to remain on standby. Residents have been advised to move quickly to higher ground if conditions deteriorate.

The local government said its disaster agency and volunteers were also preparing equipment, including heavy machinery, to support evacuations and emergency response if damaged buildings require clearance.

BNPB said its teams were continuing to verify casualties, building damage, and other impacts from the earthquake. Authorities urged residents to remain calm and rely on official updates from local governments and Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG).

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