Jakarta, Aug. 15 -- A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia on Saturday, destroying buildings and homes and triggering a tsunami warning across parts of the region. Authorities said at least 38 people had been confirmed dead, with fears that the toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue.
The US Geological Survey said the earthquake struck the Flores region at a depth of 10 km at 5:58 a.m. local time. Its epicentre was located 68 km north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province.
The initial tremor was followed by several aftershocks, causing further damage and prompting authorities to step up emergency operations.
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency issued a tsun...