The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that 15 aftershocks occurred following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that happened in the Flores Sea, East Nusa Tenggara Province on Tuesday morning local time.

“As of Tuesday at 11:40 a.m. Western Indonesia Standard Time (WIB), there have been 15 aftershocks with maximum magnitude of 5.6,” Head of the BMKG’s Earthquake and Tsunami Center Bambang Setiyo Prayitno informed in a statement here on Tuesday.

He asked the public to remain calm and ignore hoaxes regarding the disaster. In addition, they had to avoid damaged buildings caused by the earthquake.

“Ensure that your buildings are earthquake-resistant and there are no damages caused by the disaster before deciding to return inside the buildings,” he continued.

He also urged that people in the northern regions of East Flores, Sikka Island and surrounding islands, as well as Lembata Island to not carry out any activities on the coastal areas and river banks as the tremor would likely trigger a subsequent tsunami.

Source: Antara News