A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores region early Saturday, prompting authorities to issue an early tsunami warning for several parts of the country. The earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth, increasing concerns about potential tsunami activity along nearby coastlines.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.67 and placed it at a depth of approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles). Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.7, with a shallower depth of 15 kilometers (9.3 miles). The US Geological Survey also reported a magnitude of 7.7.
Indonesia’s tsunami warning covered East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, West Nusa Tenggara and Southeast Sulawesi. Authorities began monitoring coastal areas for possible changes in sea levels and tsunami waves following the major seismic event.
The earthquake struck at approximately 5:58 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located in the Flores region. The event highlights Indonesia’s continued exposure to powerful earthquakes and tsunami risks because of its location along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.
