A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia’s Flores island early Saturday morning (15 August), prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning and urging residents in vulnerable coastal areas to move to higher ground.
The shallow earthquake struck at around 5.58am local time, with the epicentre located approximately 68 kilometres north-west of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor was followed by several strong aftershocks, including earthquakes measuring 5.9, 5.6 and 6.1 in magnitude.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a tsunami warning following the earthquake. Residents living along affected coastlines were told to stay away from beaches and riverbanks and evacuate towards higher ground as authorities assessed the possibility of tsunami waves.
Hundreds Evacuate As Strong Shaking Hits Flores
The earthquake caused intense shaking across parts of Flores, with residents rushing out of buildings and moving away from coastal areas. Reports emerging from the region also indicated damage to buildings and public facilities, although the full extent of the destruction remained under assessment.
A waiting area at Maumere’s Lorens Say port was reported to have collapsed following the earthquake. Parts of the Ritapiret Seminary were also damaged during morning Mass, with at least one priest reported injured, according to local reports cited by the Associated Press.
The USGS estimated that hundreds of thousands of people experienced very strong or severe shaking. Such levels of shaking can cause damage even to structures designed to withstand earthquakes, while poorly constructed buildings can suffer significantly greater destruction.
Authorities have continued monitoring the situation for additional aftershocks, which can occur following a major earthquake and potentially cause further damage to already weakened structures.
No Tsunami Threat Reported For Australia
The earthquake also prompted attention across the region because of its location near the Flores Sea and the wider Indonesian archipelago.
Australian authorities said there was no tsunami threat to the Australian mainland from the earthquake at the time of the initial warning. Nevertheless, authorities in affected Indonesian areas continued to urge residents to follow evacuation instructions and remain away from exposed coastal locations.
The incident highlights the significant earthquake and tsunami risk faced by Indonesia, which sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire. The region is one of the world’s most seismically active areas because several tectonic plates meet around the Pacific Ocean.
Indonesia has experienced several devastating earthquakes and tsunamis in recent decades. The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, which struck off Sumatra with a magnitude of 9.1, generated a massive tsunami that killed more than 220,000 people around the Indian Ocean, with Indonesia suffering the greatest loss of life.
Flores itself has a history of destructive seismic activity. A major earthquake in the region in 1992 generated a tsunami that killed thousands of people.
Authorities Continue To Assess Damage
As emergency teams assess affected communities, authorities are expected to continue monitoring coastal conditions and seismic activity around Flores.
The situation remains developing, with the possibility of additional aftershocks and further reports of structural damage. Residents in affected areas have been advised to follow instructions from Indonesian authorities and avoid returning to coastal zones until officials determine that it is safe.
The earthquake also serves as another reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness in Indonesia, where strong tremors and volcanic activity are recurring natural hazards.
Further information on casualties, building damage and any tsunami impacts is expected as emergency agencies gain access to affected areas and complete their assessments.