KEY POINTS
A magnitude 7.7 undersea earthquake struck near the Flores region early Saturday.
Indonesia’s BMKG issued an early tsunami warning for some areas and advised residents to stay away from beaches and riverbanks.
At least three aftershocks followed, while Australian authorities said there was no tsunami threat to Australia.
A powerful undersea earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia early Saturday, triggering an early tsunami warning from Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.7 at about 4:58 a.m. local time, at a depth of 35 km. At least three aftershocks were subsequently recorded.
The United States Geological Survey also reported a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in the Flores region. It placed the epicenter about 68 km north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province.
BMKG warned people in some affected regions to stay away from beaches and riverbanks while authorities monitored coastal tide gauges for possible changes. Residents along affected coastlines were advised to move to higher ground.
The earthquake occurred beneath the sea near Flores island, making tsunami monitoring a key part of the immediate response. Officials continued watching coastal conditions following the initial warning.
Australia’s tsunami warning centre separately said the earthquake posed no tsunami threat to the Australian mainland, islands or territories.
The warning highlights the immediate coastal risks associated with a strong undersea earthquake. Residents in areas covered by the Indonesian warning were urged to follow official instructions and avoid beaches and riverbanks while monitoring continued.
Magnitude: 7.7
Approximate time: 4:58 a.m. local time, Saturday
Depth: 35 km
Region: Flores, eastern Indonesia
Epicenter: About 68 km north-northwest of Ende, East Nusa Tenggara
Aftershocks: At least three reported
Tsunami response: Early warning issued by BMKG
Indonesia’s BMKG issued an early tsunami warning for some regions and urged residents near affected coastlines to move to higher ground.
Australia’s tsunami warning centre said there was no tsunami threat to the Australian mainland, islands or territories.
Authorities are continuing to monitor coastal tide gauges for changes following the earthquake and aftershocks.
Sources
European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC)
