Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Strikes Indonesia, Two Casualties Reported

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Indonesia early on Saturday, resulting in at least two fatalities. The earthquake, recorded at 4.58 am local time (2158 GMT), was located at a depth of 15 kilometres, according to Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The tremors were felt strongly for about a minute in various regions, including Nagekeo and Bima.

Following the initial quake, several aftershocks occurred. BMKG initially issued a tsunami warning for some areas of the country, but this alert was withdrawn a few hours later. Despite the tsunami warning, tsunami waves recorded were under one metre (three feet) in height.

Dodi Yuleova, a spokesperson for the national disaster mitigation agency, reported that buildings swayed and some structures collapsed. Footage verified by Reuters depicted scenes of destruction in Maumere, the main town in Sikka Regency on Flores Island, where parts of a building crumbled as panicked residents fled.

In the Ende district of East Nusa Tenggara Province, patients were evacuated from a local hospital as authorities assessed the quake's impact. The Australian tsunami warning centre stated that the earthquake posed no threat to the Australian mainland, territories or islands.

Officials are continuing to monitor the aftermath of the quake as rescue operations are underway. The full extent of damage and the number of injuries remain under assessment. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant due to the potential for further aftershocks.