Thousands of residents fled to higher ground after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores island early Saturday, briefly triggering a tsunami warning.
The shallow earthquake hit off the northern coast of Flores, about 68 kilometres northwest of the coastal town of Ende, according to Indonesian and US authorities. The warning was later withdrawn after authorities monitored the sea and found no major tsunami threat.
People in areas close to the epicentre rushed away from the coast as the sea appeared to retreat.
Residents in Nagekeo regency and the town of Maumere were among those who moved to higher ground.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency warned that tsunami waves could reach parts of East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara.
An initial alert covered possible waves between 0.5 and three metres.
The warning was later lifted, although authorities continued monitoring sea levels.
Waves measuring between 19 and 30 centimetres were detected.
The earthquake was followed by several strong aftershocks, including one measuring 6.1. No deaths or serious injuries had been reported, although authorities said some buildings were damaged.
In Maumere, hospital workers and patients rushed outside after the shaking began.
Lukas Lotar, a hospital customer service official, said he saw cracks appearing in some walls.
Residents in Nagekeo also described widespread panic as people rushed from their homes and businesses toward higher ground.
Officials urged people living near the coast to stay away from the shoreline and move at least two kilometres inland or to elevated areas.
Indonesia frequently experiences powerful earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for intense seismic activity.
The country has suffered several devastating earthquakes and tsunamis in recent decades. A 9.1-magnitude earthquake off Sumatra in 2004 triggered a massive tsunami that killed about 220,000 people across the region, including around 170,000 in Indonesia.
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