Jakarta, Aug 15 (V7N)- The death toll from a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia has risen to 20, with rescue teams continuing operations in affected areas.
The earthquake struck the Flores region early Saturday (August 15) local time. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre was located about 68 kilometres northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province and only around 10 kilometres beneath the surface.
More than a dozen aftershocks have been recorded following the main earthquake.
Rescue teams recovered 20 bodies, while six people were injured and two others remained trapped under rubble near the port city of Maumere, according to reports.
Following the earthquake, Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a tsunami warning and urged residents to stay away from beaches and riverbanks.
BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Department Director Wijayanto said earthquake modelling indicated a potential tsunami threat to East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara.
Authorities warned that tsunami waves could reach between 0.5 and 3 metres in height.
Rescue and emergency response operations are continuing as authorities assess the full extent of the damage.
END/SMA/AJ
