Flores island: Rescuers combed through debris for survivors after a powerful earthquake struck off Indonesia's Flores Island on Saturday, killing at least 38 people, according to a disaster official. Suharyanto, head of Indonesia's national disaster mitigation agency, said 13 people were injured, two of them seriously. According to TRTworld.com, Suharyanto stated, "Victims are trapped in several buildings," highlighting the urgency of the rescue operations. He mentioned that two helicopters and a plane were being readied to assist in the efforts. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen offered assistance from the bloc's Copernicus Earth observation satellites, expressing solidarity with Indonesia in its time of need. The 7.7-magnitude quake caused significant damage to dozens of houses and other structures on the popular tourist island in eastern Indonesia. It prompted about 2,000 people to evacuate their homes. Yulian Juita Ekalia, a resident of Ruteng city, recounted her terrifying experience of the qua ke, which jolted her awake at around 5:30 am. She described the sensation as being on a trampoline and the chaos of her surroundings as she rushed outside to safety. Rescue efforts are being hampered by landslides that have cut off roads, complicating the search for victims who may be buried under rubble. Residents in Nagekeo, an area close to the epicenter, initially fled to higher ground as the sea retreated, fearing a tsunami. Although the tsunami warning was lifted, authorities urged caution, warning residents not to return to damaged buildings due to the risk of aftershocks. The island continues to experience aftershocks, with the strongest recorded at a magnitude of 6.1. Many residents are opting to remain outside, cooking and conducting daily activities in open spaces to avoid potential dangers from additional tremors. The epicenter of the quake was located just off the north coast of the island, according to US and Indonesian authorities, with damage assessments still ongoing in the largely rural ar ea.