A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck off eastern Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least five people, according to a provincial governor. The quake triggered dozens of aftershocks and prompted tsunami warnings, though waves recorded were less than 1 meter (3 feet) high.
The epicenter was located in the Banda Sea, near the Tanimbar Islands, at a depth of about 100 kilometers (62 miles), according to the Indonesian meteorological agency. The tremor was felt strongly in several islands, including Maluku and Sulawesi, causing panic among residents.
Local authorities reported damage to buildings and infrastructure, but the full extent is still being assessed. The governor of Maluku province confirmed the death toll, while rescue teams have been deployed to affected areas.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country has experienced several devastating quakes in the past, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that killed over 200,000 people.
