Powerful 7.6-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Indonesia, Tsunami Warning Lifted

Aftershocks at a magnitude of 5.5 were reported by Indonesia's geophysics agency.

A file photo of the aftermath of an earthquake in Indonesia.

(Photo: AP)

A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia early on Tuesday, 10 January, the aftershocks of which were felt in some parts of Australia.

What happened? The powerful quake led to a tsunami warning, causing residents of Tanimbar – a group of 30 islands in eastern Indonesia's Maluku province – to flee their homes. The warning, however, was lifted three hours later. Initial reports suggested limited damage, according to Reuters.

The epicentre of the quake was 427 kilometres (265 miles) south of the Indonesian island of Ambon at a depth of 95 kilometres, US Geological Survey reported. Tremors were also felt on the islands of Timor, Maluku archipelago, and Papua.

Why you should read on: According to Reuters, Indonesia disaster agency officials said that at least 15 homes and two school buildings suffered damages. Aftershocks at a magnitude of 5.5 were reported by the country's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

Why Indonesia? Indonesia experiences frequent seismic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where tectonic plates collide. Last November, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's most populated province, West Java, killing hundreds of people.

(With inputs from Reuters.)