7.7 earthquake in Indonesia: Tsunami warning issued

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake occurred on Saturday morning off the coast of Indonesia, near the island of Flores, generating several aftershocks.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency of Indonesia (BMKG) issued a tsunami warning for the provinces of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi. Residents were advised to move away from beaches and seek refuge in higher ground. The earthquake was felt across much of Flores Island, causing damage to buildings and infrastructure, but complete assessments of the damage are not yet available.

A notable incident occurred at St. Peter Major Seminary, where a priest was injured during the liturgy when the roof of a gathering hall collapsed. The earthquake was followed by at least three aftershocks, and authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Indonesia, located on the "Ring of Fire" of the Pacific, is frequently affected by earthquakes, and its history includes devastating events such as the 1992 tsunami that killed approximately 2,500 people.