A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands in Maluku province on Monday. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at a depth of 66 kilometers (41 miles) and was located approximately 177 kilometers west of the city of Tual. The tremor took place at 12:49 pm Western Indonesia Time (0549 GMT).
Initially, Germany’s Centre for Georesearch (GEOFON) recorded the earthquake as magnitude 7 but later revised it to 6.7. Indonesia’s geophysics agency confirmed that the earthquake posed no tsunami threat, a statement supported by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, which also reported no tsunami risk.
No casualties or infrastructural damage have been reported so far. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure public safety and assess any potential aftershocks.
Indonesia is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for intense seismic and volcanic activity. This location makes the country highly prone to frequent earthquakes and related natural disasters. In recent years, Indonesia has experienced several major earthquakes, some with devastating consequences.
Notably, the 2018 Palu earthquake followed by a tsunami claimed over 2,000 lives. In 2004, a magnitude 9.1 undersea earthquake off Aceh province triggered a massive tsunami, killing more than 170,000 people in Indonesia alone.
Officials are urging the public to remain alert but have stated that no emergency response is needed at this time. They continue to monitor seismic activity to provide timely updates if necessary. The government also reminds residents of the importance of earthquake preparedness given the country’s vulnerability to seismic events.
This recent earthquake serves as a reminder of Indonesia’s ongoing seismic risks due to its unique geological location.
A recent earthquake jolted Barkhan District in Balochistan, but no damage has been reported so far. For full details, read Earthquake Jolts Barkhan District in Balochistan, No Damage Reported.
