Kathmandu [Nepal], August 15 – Indonesia was hit by a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake early Saturday prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning and urge residents in vulnerable coastal areas to move to safer locations.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at around 5 am local time in the Flores region of East Nusa Tenggara. The quake occurred at a depth of about 15 kilometres followed by a series of aftershocks.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) reported tsunami waves of less than one metre in some areas following the earthquake.
Authorities warned of tsunami risks in East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara provinces. Residents rushed out of their homes and moved towards safer areas after feeling strong shaking.
Dodi Yuleov, a spokesperson for Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency said the earthquake was felt strongly for nearly a minute in areas including Nagekeo and Bima.
Preliminary reports said at least two people had died following the earthquake although authorities were continuing to assess the damage and casualties.
Indonesia is highly vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis because it lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” one of the world’s most active seismic zones.
The earthquake and subsequent tsunami threat triggered emergency measures across parts of eastern Indonesia as authorities monitored coastal conditions and warned residents to remain alert for further waves and aftershocks.
