A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the northern coast of Flores island in eastern Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 20 people and injuring six, according to local rescue officials. Two people remain buried under rubble in the town of Maumere.
The U.S. Geological Survey located the epicentre approximately 68 kilometres northwest of Ende at a depth of 10 kilometres. The quake hit at around 05:58 local time and was felt as far away as Lombok. Multiple strong aftershocks followed, including one measured at magnitude 6.1.
The Indonesian geophysics agency issued a tsunami warning and residents were urged to seek higher ground. Small tsunami waves under one metre were recorded in several locations before the warning was lifted. The Australian tsunami warning centre confirmed no threat to the Australian mainland. Around 1.5 million people live in the area that experienced strong shaking.