- 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Flores island in eastern Indonesia early Saturday, triggering a tsunami warning and prompting hundreds to evacuate.
- The earthquake was initially recorded at magnitude 6.9 but was later upgraded to 7.6 by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
- Strong aftershocks followed the initial quake, including one with a magnitude of 6.1.
- Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned of potential tsunami waves in East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and West Nusa Tenggara.
- Residents in Maumere and Nagekeo evacuated to higher ground, with reports of damaged buildings.
- Tsunami waves between 19 and 30 centimeters have been detected, but authorities have not reported any casualties.
- The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles) off the coast of Indonesia.
- The epicenter of the quake was located 68 kilometers (42 miles) northwest of Ende, according to the USGS.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores island in eastern Indonesia early Saturday, triggering tsunami warnings and prompting evacuations. The quake, which occurred at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), was initially recorded at 6.9 before being upgraded by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).17
The epicentre was located about 68 kilometres (42 miles) northwest of Ende, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Following the initial tremor, strong aftershocks were felt, including one measuring 6.1.38
Residents reported panic as the quake struck. Lukas Lotar, a 31-year-old hospital customer service official, said, “Suddenly it started to shake and I panicked.” He noted that patients fled the hospital and observed cracked walls.
The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned of potential tsunami waves, with modelling indicating risks for East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and West Nusa Tenggara. An alert was issued for waves ranging from 0.5 to 3 metres (1.6 to 9.8 feet).46
In Maumere, residents evacuated to higher ground as the sea receded, a common sign before a tsunami. Authorities reported no casualties but detected tsunami waves between 19 and 30 centimetres.5
“The quake, initially recorded at 6.9, was upgraded to 7.7 by the USGS, with its epicenter 68 km northwest of Ende. BMKG warned of potential tsunami waves up to 3 meters, and residents in Maumere and Nagekeo evacuated as sea receded, though no casualties were reported.”
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