International Desk

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck an area near Indonesia’s Flores Island early Saturday (August 15), prompting authorities to order residents in coastal areas to move to safer locations amid fears of a tsunami. The country’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) withdrew the tsunami warning about three hours later.

According to BMKG, the earthquake struck at around 4:58am local time near Nagekeo in East Nusa Tenggara province. The quake occurred at a depth of about 15 kilometres, followed by several strong aftershocks.

The earthquake raised tsunami fears along coastal areas of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi. Residents in vulnerable areas were urged to move away from coastlines and riverbanks and seek higher or safer ground.

BMKG later withdrew the tsunami warning after determining that no significant changes in sea level were expected. However, authorities continued to monitor the situation and urged residents to remain alert.

The earthquake reportedly damaged buildings and other structures. According to Reuters, at least two people were killed and another injured in Sikka Regency in East Nusa Tenggara province.

Indonesia lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making the country prone to frequent powerful earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.