At least two people were killed and another injured in an offshore earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia early on Friday with a magnitude of 7.7, as authorities warned of possible tsunami waves and continuing aftershocks.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency said the two victims were killed in Sikka district, while another person was injured. Local sources also said patients were evacuated from a hospital in the Ende area of East Nusa Tenggara province.
Aftershocks and low tsunami waves
Indonesia’s geophysics agency said it recorded dozens of aftershocks along the country’s eastern coast, along with tsunami waves less than one metre high in several areas.
Australia’s tsunami warning centre said the quake did not pose any threat to the Australian mainland, islands or territories.
Quake centered near Flores
The quake struck off the coast of Flores at a depth of 15 kilometres and was followed by several aftershocks, causing concern in nearby coastal communities.
Authorities said some hospital patients in Ende were moved as a precaution, while residents in other areas headed to higher ground.
Death toll rises to 40
In a later update, the death toll from the quake rose to at least 40 people killed and 50 injured, with thousands of residents fleeing coastal areas out of fear of possible tsunami waves.
Rescue operations are ongoing as officials search for people believed to be trapped in damaged buildings.
Rescue efforts under way
The head of the National Disaster Management Agency, Suharyanto, said helicopters and a plane were being prepared to assist in rescue operations.
The quake occurred at 5:58 a.m. local time at a shallow depth, about 68 kilometres from Ende in East Nusa Tenggara, according to the US Geological Survey.
Second quake hits Sumatra
In a separate incident, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Sumatra in the western part of the archipelago, with no reports of damage or casualties.
Indonesia sits on the Ring of Fire
Indonesia and its neighbours lie on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active zone stretching from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin, making the archipelago highly vulnerable to earthquakes and tremors.
The country has experienced devastating quakes and tsunamis before, underlining the risks faced by communities in coastal and island regions.
Conclusion:
The offshore earthquake off eastern Indonesia once again highlights the country’s exposure to powerful seismic events, with the death toll rising and rescue operations continuing. While tsunami risk appears limited for some distant areas, including Australia, local authorities remain on high alert as aftershocks continue.
