Powerful 7.7 earthquake off Indonesia sparks mass evacuations
The initial jolt was followed by strong aftershocks in the same area, including one with a magnitude of 6.1. Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned of the possibility of tsunami waves following the quake and urged people to get to higher ground, but the warning was later lifted. So far, at least one person has died.
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia's Flores Island early on Saturday morning. The quake, which had a depth of 15km, was followed by strong aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 6.1. According to the BBC News, the earthquake caused widespread panic, with people in the main town of Maumere, running into the streets and evacuating to higher ground after a tsunami warning was issued, although it was later lifted.
The earthquake resulted in at least one confirmed fatality, with the National Disaster Management Agency, BNPB, initially reporting two deaths before revising the number. Four people were injured, according to the BNPB. The quake caused damage to buildings, including a hospital, and triggered a landslide in the district of Ende. Patients were evacuated from hospitals as a precaution, and temporary treatment areas were set up outdoors.
The epicentre of the quake was located off the north coast of Flores Island, approximately 68 kilometres northwest of the coastal town of Ende. The US Geological Survey and Indonesian authorities reported that the earthquake was followed by several aftershocks. Tsunami waves of less than 1 metre were recorded in several areas, according to Free Malaysia Today.
Brief written by urgent.news from Le Monde English, BBC News, RTE News, Free Malaysia Today, Khaosod English — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
