At least 5 killed after powerful 7.7 earthquake strikes Indonesia

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early Saturday, causing building collapses and at least five deaths. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the epicenter was 42 miles north-northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province. While authorities initially issued a tsunami warning, it was later lifted after Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency observed no significant sea-level changes. East Nusa Tenggara police chief Rudi Darmoko confirmed that preliminary reports indicate two fatalities in Sikka Regency and three in Manggarai Regency. Power outages across cities and villages are currently hindering rescue efforts and the flow of information. Local television footage showed hospital patients being evacuated to temporary outdoor treatment areas as a precaution. Residents reported significant structural damage, including the collapse of a port terminal waiting room in Maumere. Additionally, the rector of the Ritapiret Seminary reported that students and staff fled in panic as the roof of an assembly hall collapsed, with at least one priest sustaining a broken leg while escaping.