Indonesia’s disaster management agency, BPBD, said several other people were trapped under rubble after numerous buildings were damaged by the main earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.
The earthquake struck Flores Island shortly before 5 a.m. local time, with its epicentre located at a depth of 15 kilometres. Several aftershocks followed, including one measuring 6.1 in magnitude.
The Governor of East Nusa Tenggara, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, said some of those killed were struck by collapsing walls and other parts of buildings.
Three people died in Sikka, six in Manggarai and five in East Manggarai. Two others sustained serious injuries, while 11 suffered minor injuries.
Authorities said at least 54 houses were severely damaged, along with several institutions and government buildings.
Rescue teams and local authorities are continuing to assess the damage and search affected areas as concerns remain over further collapses and aftershocks.
