Indonesia: 7.3 magnitude earthquake triggers tsunami warning

A major earthquake caused panic across Indonesia on Tuesday, as people left their homes and were told to prepare for a tsunami.

There have been no reports of casualties despite the magnitude 7.3 quake – but there were alarms as Indonesians ran for safety.

The country lifted its tsunami warning hours after an undersea earthquake struck off the island of Flores.

According to initial reports, the area is prone to deadly earthquakes, but this incident appears to have caused little or no damage.

The archipelago’s last major earthquake – a significantly smaller 6.2-magnitude tremor – killed at least 105 people and injured nearly 6,500 in West Sulawesi province last January.

Tuesday’s incident occurred at a depth of 18.5 kilometers (11.5 miles) under the sea, and is located about a foot from the town of Maumere, the second largest on the island in East Nusa, according to the United States Geological Survey. 112 kilometers (74 miles) to the north. Tenggara Province, with a population of 85,000.

After the initial tsunami warning, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii and later the Indonesian agency lifted the warning.

National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Abdul Muhari said residents in the area felt the quake was strong.

Television footage showed people running from buildings that were shaken by the impact.

Flores Timur County Sheriff, Anton Hayon, said no damage had been reported.