Indonesia 7.7 Quake Triggers Tsunami Alert, Port Terminal Collapses
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province on Saturday, August 15, triggering a tsunami warning as the powerful tremor caused widespread damage across Flores Island. The disaster struck at approximately 6:00 AM local time, with its epicenter located northeast of Mbai town in Nagekeo County, at a shallow depth of 15 kilometers. The Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) confirmed the quake's magnitude and issued an urgent tsunami alert for coastal residents. The seismic event was followed by multiple strong aftershocks within 40 minutes, including four quakes exceeding magnitude 5.5.
Key Points
- The 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred at 4:58 AM local time with its epicenter 36 kilometers northeast of Mbai town
- A two-story waiting hall at Lorens Say Port in Maumere collapsed while passengers awaited a departing ship
- Hundreds of passengers fled in panic as the building collapsed, with multiple people falling into the water
- Four aftershocks above magnitude 5.5 struck within 40 minutes following the main tremor
- Maumere Search and Rescue Team leader Fathur Rahma confirmed rescue teams were dispatched to the port ruins
- The Ruteng Airport in Manggarai County sustained facility damage, disrupting flight operations
- Ende District government office building suffered structural damage from the intense shaking
Why It Matters
The shallow 15-kilometer depth of this 7.7 magnitude quake amplifies its destructive potential, and the series of strong aftershocks increase the risk of further building collapses and secondary hazards. The Chinese Consulate in Denpasar has issued an urgent warning for Chinese citizens in the affected region, particularly those in the Labuan Bajo area of East Nusa Tenggara, advising them to stay away from coastal areas and remain vigilant against tsunami risks .
The shallow 15-kilometer depth of this 7.7 magnitude quake amplifies its destructive potential, and the series of strong aftershocks increase the risk of further building collapses and secondary hazards. The Chinese Consulate in Denpasar has issued an urgent warning for Chinese citizens in the affected region, particularly those in the Labuan Bajo area of East Nusa Tenggara, advising them to stay away from coastal areas and remain vigilant against tsunami risks .