A powerful 7.7-magnitude quake struck eastern Indonesia early on Saturday, killing two people, causing widespread panic and collapsing buildings and homes in a region prone to deadly earthquakes.
According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the main shock occurred at 4:58 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) or 5:58 a.m. Central Indonesian Time (WITA). The epicenter was located in the sea 30 kilometers northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, NTT, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.
“An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 has occurred,” the BMKG announced via its official X account on Saturday morning.
Following the quake, the agency issued a tsunami early warning covering four provinces: East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), South Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi.
BMKG tide gauges subsequently detected minor tsunami waves in several coastal areas, including Sikka at 5:03 a.m. WIB (0.19 meters), Labuan Bajo at 5:26 a.m. WIB (0.36 meters), and Dompu, NTB, at 5:29 a.m. WIB (0.17 meters).
Authorities urged residents in coastal areas to remain vigilant and follow emergency instructions issued by the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and BMKG.
Shaking Felt in Bali and Lombok
The tremors were felt as far away as Lombok Island in NTB, where residents rushed outdoors during their morning routines.
“The earthquake was a shock because it occurred during the busy time of getting the children ready for school,” said Veronika, a resident of Mataram, NTB, as reported by Antara. She added that the swaying sensation lasted long enough to cause mild dizziness.
Another Lombok resident, Adam, described waking up as his bedroom shook violently. “I hope nothing bad happens in the epicenter area,” he told Antara.
BMKG continues to monitor regional sea levels and potential aftershocks, advising the public to rely solely on official government channels for updates.
