Indonesian authorities call off tsunami warning following earthquake

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) called off its tsunami warning following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck off the country's Banten province on Friday.

Residents stand outside in the street after a strong earthquake hit the area around Jakarta on August 2, 2019. [File Photo: AFP via VCG/BAY ISMOYO]

"The tsunami warning due to the earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 on Aug. 2, 2019 at 19:03 Western Indonesia Time has ended," the BMKG said on its website.

The BMKG has imposed high alert and standby status in Java and Sumatra, claiming them as facing imminent risk of tsunami, which may hit with waves from 0.5 to 3 meters high.

According to the agency, the tremor hit at 7:03 p.m. local time (1203 GMT), with the epicenter at 7.54 degrees south latitude and 104.58 degrees east longitude at a depth of 10 km.

The epicenter was located 147 km southwest of Banten's Pandeglang regency district of Sumur.

The BMKG initially estimated that the tsunami waves may reach coasts in Banten province at 7:35 p.m. local time (1235 GMT).

The quake, which lasted about 30 seconds, was also strongly felt in capital Jakarta.