7.7 magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia’s coast.. water receding signals tsunami

Indonesia earthquake: Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre records tremor at 35 km depth, 162 km from Labuan Bajo, amid fears of destructive waves and sea water receding in the region.

The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre announced that a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s coast on Friday, with a warning of possible tsunami waves in the region, amid major concerns over its aftermath and potential impact on local communities.

According to the centre’s data, the earthquake was recorded at 9:58 PM UTC, 162 kilometers from Labuan Bajo, with its epicenter at a depth of 35 kilometers.

Local sources reported water receding on beaches, which signals a potential tsunami, while full details on the extent of damage and possible casualties remain unknown, as local authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Tsunami warnings and fears of losses

The tremor raised major concerns over its aftermath, especially with sea water receding on beaches—an indicator of possible tsunami waves—while initial reports indicated strong tremors in the area.

Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, amid warnings of possible destructive waves hitting coastal areas near the earthquake’s epicenter.

WATCH – 🇮🇩 Footage shows the sea receding along Indonesia’s coastline following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake. https://t.co/Ae1Dda7iyz pic.twitter.com/tJZsupearX

— Political Pen (@politicalpen_) August 14, 2026

Indonesia is a seismically active region

Indonesia lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region of intense seismic and volcanic activity due to tectonic plate movements, making it prone to strong earthquakes and tsunami waves.

The region experienced a 9.1 magnitude earthquake in Sumatra in 2004, followed by devastating tsunami waves that claimed around 230,000 lives across 14 countries, including Indonesia.

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