Powerful quake shakes the archipelago
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia on Saturday morning. The quake hit at a shallow depth, which usually increases the strength of the shaking. People in coastal towns ran into the streets as buildings swayed. The tremor was felt across several islands in the region. Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide. Earthquakes are common there, but this one was unusually strong.
Tsunami warning triggers evacuations
Authorities issued a tsunami warning shortly after the quake. Officials told residents near the coast to move inland and to higher ground. Sirens sounded in several towns along the shoreline. Fishermen brought their boats ashore as a precaution. The warning agency said waves of several feet were possible in some areas. People in low-lying districts packed essentials and left their homes. Schools and markets closed in the affected zone. Emergency workers set up shelters on high ground.
Assessment and response
Teams began checking for damage once the shaking stopped. The quake damaged roads and bridges in some districts. Power lines came down in parts of the affected area. Hospitals reported treating people for minor injuries. Officials said the full picture of damage would take hours to emerge. Scientists at monitoring centers tracked tide gauges for signs of a wave. Indonesia has experience with deadly tsunamis, including the 2004 Indian Ocean disaster. That history makes authorities quick to warn and quick to evacuate. The government urged calm while assessments continued. More aftershocks were expected in the coming days.