A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck early Saturday morning off the coast of Indonesia’s Flores region. The tremor occurred at approximately 3:28 am IST with an epicenter 38 kilometers northeast of Mbay. According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake hit at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Indonesian authorities at the BMKG agency issued a tsunami warning for the East Nusa Tenggara area following the initial seismic activity. Initial data from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre suggested a slightly lower magnitude, but current figures from the USGS confirm the 7.7 reading.
Reports indicate structural damage on the island of Flores, with images and local accounts suggesting several buildings have been destroyed. While these accounts await formal confirmation, the proximity of the shallow quake to residential areas remains a primary concern for local emergency services.
Indonesia remains one of the most earthquake-prone regions globally. Its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire creates constant exposure to significant seismic and volcanic events. The archipelago, consisting of over 17,000 islands, frequently faces these natural hazards. Authorities continue to monitor the situation for potential aftershocks and updates regarding the tsunami warning.