Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes east of Indonesia, tsunami warning issued

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake jolted the waters off Indonesia's eastern Flores Island early Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. In response to the significant seismic activity, Indonesian authorities promptly issued a tsunami warning for the affected coastal areas.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located offshore, approximately 68 kilometers northwest of the regency of Ende on Flores Island. The quake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers, a factor that can intensify ground shaking in proximity to the epicenter. Following the main tremor, two aftershocks, measuring 5.6 and 5.9 magnitude respectively, were recorded in the same region.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency warned of the potential for tsunami waves generated by the earthquake. As of the latest available information, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant material damage. Indonesia is situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region characterized by frequent seismic and volcanic activity, making it highly susceptible to earthquakes.