A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's eastern Flores Island early Saturday, killing at least 38 people and prompting mass evacuations across affected areas.

The undersea quake, which hit just off the coast, caused widespread damage to buildings and triggered landslides, with emergency teams now scrambling to reach remote communities. Initial fears of a tsunami led many residents to flee to higher ground.

Rescue Efforts Underway Amid Landslides

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the 7.7-magnitude tremor off Flores Island, which was followed by dozens of strong aftershocks throughout the day. France 24 reported that several individuals remain trapped under collapsed structures.

Emergency crews are facing significant challenges reaching some of the worst-hit areas as landslides have blocked key roads, according to France 24. A tsunami warning issued shortly after the quake was later lifted, DW News reported, easing immediate concerns for coastal communities.

Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, sits on the "Ring of Fire," a horseshoe-shaped seismic belt around the Pacific Ocean. This geographical position makes it highly prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Authorities are continuing search and rescue operations, with efforts focused on locating those believed to be trapped and assessing the full extent of the damage across Flores and surrounding islands in the coming days.