Earthquake in Indonesia

20 dead after powerful earthquake in Indonesia

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake and a series of aftershocks shook eastern Indonesia last night. At least 20 people died when buildings collapsed, AFP reports.

Thousands of people are said to have been forced to flee their homes.

On the island of Flores, which was the worst hit, people ran out of their houses when the first quake struck.

51-year-old local resident Nona tells Reuters that there were 13 people under the same roof when the ground started shaking.

– The earthquake was enormous, the quake was so strong, she says.

Death toll rises – before rescuers reach epicenter

The death toll has more than doubled after the earthquake in Indonesia, even though rescuers have not yet managed to reach the area closest to the epicenter. Reuters reports. Mudslides block roads to the worst-hit region of Nagekeo, and mobile phone networks are down after the quake.

At least 47 people have been confirmed dead after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck on Saturday night, according to AFP. Several aftershocks have shaken eastern Indonesia during the day.

Siti Sulfia Bira, 37, has fled with her family to a high-altitude area near the port of Maumere.

“We don’t dare go home yet, we’re afraid there will be more earthquakes,” she tells Reuters.