A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia early Saturday, damaging buildings and homes, and triggering a tsunami warning. Authorities urged people on affected coastlines to move to higher ground.
Earthquake Details
The U.S Geological Survey said the quake hit Indonesia’s Flores region with a depth of 10 kilometers at 5:58 a.m. Indonesia time. Its epicenter was 68 km (42 miles) north-northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency issued a tsunami warning for part of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi provinces, and urged residents to stay away from beaches and riverbanks.
Residents on the coast were advised to move to higher ground as officials were closely monitoring coastal tide gauges for any changes. The quake was felt across much of Flores island, with initial reports indicating damage to homes and public facilities.
Impact on Local Communities
Yohanna Embu, a resident of Sikka, a regency within East Nusa Tenggara province, said a number of buildings were damaged by the strong shaking and panicked people ran to higher ground. Students at St. Peter Major Seminary in Sikka who were attending morning Mass fled in panic when the roof of an assembly hall collapsed.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
