Jakarta, Aug. 18 -- Some major tourist destinations across Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara have been temporarily closed following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that killed at least 68 people and damaged scores of hotels and public infrastructure.

Berton Panjaitan, acting head of communication for the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), said in Jakarta on Tuesday that closures were enacted to conduct structural safety inspections and repair damaged facilities.

"Several tourist attractions are currently temporarily closed, such as Goa Rangko in West Manggarai, Wae Rebo Traditional Village in Manggarai, and Kelimutu National Park in Ende," Panjaitan said.

Regional authorities will issue reopening updates once safety veri...