Strong magnitude 5.9 aftershock strikes Indonesia's Flores days after powerful earthquake

Strong aftershock hits Flores in Indonesia after deadly 7.7-magnitude quake. (Photo/AP)

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake has struck Indonesia’s Flores region, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ).

The quake occurred at a depth of around 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) early on Monday.

Its epicentre was initially located at 8.57 degrees south latitude and 121.55 degrees east longitude.

No information on damage or casualties was provided.

The aftershock struck days after a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake rocked six regencies in eastern Flores Island.

Indonesia has declared a 14-day emergency response status following Saturday’s quake, which killed at least 47 people, state media reported.

Widespread destruction

Search-and-rescue operations continued on Sunday to find survivors, while fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies across Flores were restored.

Nearly 6,000 people were taking refuge in the Sikka, Manggara, Nagekeo, Bima and Selayar areas.

The quake damaged 914 homes, 93 educational facilities, 36 health facilities and 38 government offices.

Türkiye expressed deep sorrow on Sunday over devastating earthquakes in Indonesia.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in earthquakes in North Sumatra and Flores.

Ankara also expressed solidarity with the Indonesian people and wished a swift recovery to those injured in the disasters.

“We offer our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Indonesia and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry statement read.

Source: TRT