7.7-magnitude Indonesia earthquake triggers tsunami warning; at least 5 killed

JAKARTA: At least five people were killed after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island early Saturday, triggering a tsunami warning and sending thousands of people fleeing to safer areas. The tsunami warning was later lifted after waves of less than one metre were recorded in several areas.

The earthquake struck off the northern coast of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province. The US Geological Survey said the epicentre was located about 68 km (42 miles) north-northwest of Ende at a depth of 10 km.

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said five people were killed after rubble from collapsing buildings fell on them while they were sleeping. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency, however, initially reported one death and four injuries as authorities continued assessing the damage.

The earthquake was followed by dozens of aftershocks, including one measuring 6.1. Buildings and homes collapsed in parts of East Nusa Tenggara, while landslides, power outages and communication disruptions were also reported. A hospital in Ende moved patients outdoors as a precaution following the tremors.

About 2,000 people in Nagekeo, the area closest to the epicentre, evacuated their homes following the earthquake. Residents in several coastal areas moved to higher ground after the tsunami warning was issued.

The tsunami warning covered parts of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi. It was lifted about three hours after the earthquake following monitoring that showed no significant ongoing threat, although tsunami waves of less than one metre were recorded in several locations.