Powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake kills at least 47 in Indonesia

But it will take time to assess the full extent of the destruction in the region, which is remote and mountainous.

The National Disaster Management Agency, known in Indonesia as the BNPB, initially said two people had been killed.

It later confirmed one person had died and four had been injured.

"Following verification and validation by personnel on the ground, the data was revised to one confirmed fatality," BNPB said in a statement.

The quake struck the Flores region in East Nusa Tenggara shortly before 05:00 local time. It had a depth of 15km, the Indonesian agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics said in a statement.

Authorities initially issued a potential tsunami warning after the quake, but it was later declared over.

Indonesia's national disaster management agency later issued a statement saying that the agency was prioritising public safety and preventing additional casualties from aftershocks and related hazards.

Strong aftershocks were felt in the same area, including one with a magnitude of 6.1.

The agency advised people to remain calm and stay away from coastal areas.

"Residents should also avoid entering buildings, especially those that have already sustained cracks or structural damage," BNPB said.

"A rapid assessment is currently underway to determine the number of casualties and the extent of the impact. We will provide that information after the data has been verified."