7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes in Indonesia

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Indonesia on Saturday morning, triggering an early tsunami warning and raising concerns about possible casualties and damage.

The earthquake was followed by three aftershocks measuring 5.9, 5.6 and 6.1, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). CNN reported that the USGS initially warned of the potential for casualties and damage based on the intensity of the tremors. However, the Indonesian government had not yet released any official information on casualties or destruction.

According to USGS estimates, around 500,000 people experienced very strong to severe shaking during the earthquake. Such shaking can cause minor to moderate damage to well-built structures and significant damage to weaker buildings. Authorities were monitoring the situation following the quake and the tsunami warning.

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Indonesia is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of intense seismic and volcanic activity. The belt stretches around the Pacific Ocean, extending from countries such as Japan and Indonesia to California and parts of South America, where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur frequently.