Death Toll Rises to 20 After 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Near Indonesia

JAKARTA: The death toll from various incidents following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake near the coast of Indonesia has risen to 20, according to local authorities.

The powerful earthquake struck early Saturday morning, followed by several aftershocks.

According to the seismological centre, the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 and occurred at around 4:58 a.m. local time at a depth of approximately 35 kilometres.

Following the earthquake, Indonesia’s geophysics agency initially issued a tsunami warning. However, the warning was lifted around three hours after the earthquake.

Indonesian authorities said 20 people had died in various incidents following the powerful earthquake, while rescue and assessment efforts continued.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Tsunami Warning Centre said the undersea earthquake posed no tsunami threat to the Australian mainland, islands or territories.