Indonesia, Aug. 16 -- East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Laka Lena has declared a 14-day emergency response after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores, as authorities seek to accelerate rescue efforts and restore infrastructure.

The emergency status runs from Aug. 15 to Aug. 28, Melki said in a statement issued here Sunday, allowing authorities to streamline access, coordination and communication while mobilizing available resources.

The declaration was formalized through East Nusa Tenggara Governor's Decree No. 305/KEP/HK/2026, issued in Kupang on Aug. 15.

The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores on Aug. 15 at a depth of 15 kilometers, about 30 kilometers northeast of Mbay in Nagekeo District.

The disaster caused deaths and inju...