7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits an Island in Indonesia

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes Indonesia’s Flores Island early Saturday, killing at least five people and damaging buildings.

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena says the victims die after rubble collapses on them while they sleep.

The earthquake strikes shortly before 5am local time, with its epicentre about 68 kilometres northwest of Ende, according to the USGS.

Several aftershocks, including three measuring above magnitude 5.5, follow the main quake. Search and rescue teams work to find people trapped in damaged buildings, while power outages hamper emergency efforts and communication.

A tsunami warning issued for affected coastlines is later lifted, while officials warn the death toll could rise. (Agencies)