The quake had a magnitude of 7.7, with its epicentre in the ocean at a depth of ten kilometres off the island of Flores in the eastern part of the country, according to the US Geological Survey. The earthquake was followed by strong aftershocks in the same area, including one with a magnitude of 6.1.
"Suddenly it started shaking and I panicked," Lukas Lotar, who works at a hospital, told AFP.
Indonesian authorities have warned that the earthquake could cause tsunami waves in several of the country's provinces.
Shortly after the earthquake, people in coastal areas including Flores were urged to immediately move at least two kilometres away from the water.
It is still unclear whether anyone was injured as a result of the earthquake.
