Indonesia earthquake: 7.7 magnitude tremor kills two, prompts evacuations

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake jolted eastern Indonesia on Saturday, leaving at least two people dead and forcing thousands to evacuate coastal regions. The tremor, which struck at a shallow depth north of Flores Island, also triggered a brief tsunami warning.

The earthquake's epicenter was located 68 kilometers north of the city of Ende in the East Nusa Tenggara province, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It was followed by strong aftershocks, including one measuring 6.1. Images showed damage to numerous buildings.

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Suddenly it started shaking and I panicked. The patients also fled; the shaking was strong. I saw that some walls had cracked.

"Suddenly it started shaking and I panicked," said Lukas Lotar, a 31-year-old hospital employee. "The patients also fled; the shaking was strong. I saw that some walls had cracked."

The spokesperson for Indonesia's disaster management agency confirmed two fatalities, a man and a woman. The agency stated that the final number of victims and the extent of building damage would be officially announced once data is confirmed.

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Until the data is confirmed, we will officially announce the final number of victims and the extent of the damage to buildings caused by the earthquake.

The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency had warned of potential tsunami waves ranging from 0.5 to three meters for the provinces of East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and West Nusa Tenggara. Residents were strongly urged to evacuate immediately, moving inland or to higher ground.

Residents in Maumere, on Flores Island, began moving to higher ground as the sea receded, a common precursor to a tsunami. Indonesian television showed hundreds evacuating in the nearby Nagekeo regency, with damaged buildings visible. While no casualties were reported from the tsunami itself, waves between 19 and 30 centimeters were detected.

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We strongly urge our communities along the northern coast of Flores and in the southern areas, on the southern islands and throughout the southern region, to carry out immediate self-evacuation.