Strong 7.6-magnitude quake strikes Indonesia

Jakarta: Indonesia was struck by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday off the Tanimbar islands, prompting panicked residents in the area to flee their homes. 

According to details, a tsunami warning was lifted after three hours and initial reports indicated limited damage. 

The epicentre of the quake was 427 kilometres (265 miles) south of the Indonesian island of Ambon at a depth of 95 kilometres.

At least four aftershocks were reported after the powerful quake that was also felt in some parts of northern Australia.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported some aftershocks at a magnitude of 5.5.

The agency said the tremor was felt on the islands of Timor, Maluku archipelago, and Papua. But there were no immediate reports of damages or victims. The Tanimbar islands are a group of about 30 islands in eastern Indonesia's Maluku province.

The quake caused light poles to sway. 

Moreover, the quake was felt as far as Darwin, capital of Australia's Northern Territory, where at least 1,000 people reported it to the Australian Geoscience agency.