Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Strikes Indonesia's Flores Region, Tsunami Warning Issued
Xinhua · 4 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake jolted Indonesia's Flores Region early Saturday, August 15, triggering a tsunami warning for coastal communities . The country's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) initially reported the quake at magnitude 7.0 before revising it upward . The epicenter was located off the north coast of Flores Island at a shallow depth of 15 kilometers according to BMKG data . The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the tremor at 10 kilometers depth, with coordinates at 8.31 degrees south latitude and 121.35 degrees east longitude, occurring at 2158 GMT Friday . Authorities immediately issued tsunami warnings for vulnerable coastal areas following the significant undersea quake .
Key Points
- Indonesia's Flores Region experienced a magnitude 7.7 earthquake on Saturday, August 15, according to BMKG
- The epicenter was located 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende, Flores Island, at coordinates 8.31°S, 121.35°E
- Shallow depth of 10-15 kilometers recorded, with USGS reporting 10 km and BMKG reporting 15 km
- BMKG initially measured magnitude 7.0 before revising upward to 7.7 within hours
- Tsunami warning was immediately issued for coastal areas following the quake
Why It Matters
The shallow undersea earthquake near densely populated Indonesian islands raises concerns about potential wave surges affecting coastal settlements . Indonesia, situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," experiences frequent seismic activity, and this event underscores the ongoing need for robust early warning systems across the archipelago .
The shallow undersea earthquake near densely populated Indonesian islands raises concerns about potential wave surges affecting coastal settlements . Indonesia, situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," experiences frequent seismic activity, and this event underscores the ongoing need for robust early warning systems across the archipelago .