Kathmandu— A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia’s Flores Island early on Saturday, killing at least two people and triggering a tsunami warning for affected coastlines. The quake occurred at 5:58am local time (21:58 GMT Friday), with an epicenter approximately 68 kilometers (42 miles) north-northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province. Authorities are urging residents to evacuate inland or seek higher ground as aftershocks continue and damage assessments are underway.

Earthquake Details and Aftershocks

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake’s depth at 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Within half an hour of the initial quake, three aftershocks were recorded with magnitudes of 5.9, 5.6, and 6.1. USGS estimates indicate that over half a million people on Flores Island likely experienced very strong shaking, while several million more across the wider region felt moderate to strong tremors.

Damage and Casualties

Indonesia’s National Disaster Agency (BNPB) confirmed that two people died at Maumere port, with another individual sustaining injuries. Local media footage reveals significant damage to buildings, particularly in the Maumere region. Authorities are still working to assess the full extent of the damage as access to some affected areas remains limited.

Tsunami Warning and Evacuation Orders

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a tsunami warning for coastal regions, advising residents to stay away from beaches and riverbanks and move to higher ground. Abdul Muhari, a BNPB official, urged communities along the northern coast of Flores and southern islands to immediately self-evacuate. He recommended moving more than two kilometers inland or ascending to areas at least 10 meters (33 feet) above sea level.

Regional Impact and Historical Context

Australia’s tsunami warning center stated that the earthquake posed no threat to the Australian mainland, its islands, or territories. Al Jazeera's Jessica Washington reported from Jakarta that local weather agencies predict aftershocks could continue for several days. She also noted that authorities are unable to reach some affected areas, hindering rescue and assistance efforts. The same region experienced a similarly powerful earthquake in December 1992, which triggered a tsunami that killed over 2,500 people on Flores.

Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess risks as they work to provide aid and support to affected communities.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.