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7.1 Magnitude Quake Strikes Off Malaysia Coast, No Tsunami Alert Issued

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Malaysia's Sabah state early Monday. The deep tremor, centered near Kota Kinabalu, occurred in the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire. Malaysian meteorological authorities confirmed no tsunami alert was issued and have observed no aftershocks so far. Residents reported strong shaking that lasted about ten seconds, causing objects to swing violently.

Key Points: 7.1 Earthquake Hits Eastern Malaysia, No Tsunami Alert

  • 7.1 magnitude quake near Kota Kinabalu
  • Depth of 619.8km limits surface damage
  • No tsunami alert issued by authorities
  • Located near Pacific Ring of Fire
  • Strongest tremor since 2015's deadly quake
2 min read

Malaysia's coastal area hit by 7.1 magnitude earthquake, no tsunami alert

A major 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off Sabah, Malaysia's coast. No tsunami alert was issued, and authorities report no aftershocks so far.

"The quake lasted around 10 seconds, but felt much longer... It was stronger than any earthquake we've experienced before - a driver in Putatun"

Kuala Lumpur, February 23

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck early on Monday in eastern Malaysia, according to the US Geological Survey.

The epicentre of the quake was located less than 100km north-east of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of its coastal Sabah state at a depth of 619.8km, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. The quake struck at 12.57 am.

The head of MetMalaysia, Moh Hisham Mohd Anip, stated that the previous strongest earthquake, a 6.0 magnitude, in Malaysia hit the country on June 5, 2015, in Ranau in Sabah and claimed 18 lives, Bernama news agency reported.

The country's Met head was cited by Bernama as saying that the quake occurred off Sabah's coast because the State lies near the Pacific ring of fire, a seismically active zone formed by the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates.

He told the news agency that authorities are monitoring the situation and "no aftershocks were observed" so far.

Residents living in Kota Kinabalu and the surrounding areas reported feeling the impacts of the earthquake.

"The quake lasted around 10 seconds, but felt much longer. The ceiling fan in the living room swung violently, and picture frames shook. It was stronger than any earthquake we've experienced before" a driver in Putatun was quoted as saying.

Another person said she was sleeping and woke to find her "wardrobe door swinging" due to the building's movement.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A 7.1 magnitude is huge! Thank God it was very deep (619km) and there's no tsunami alert. The 2015 quake claimed 18 lives, so this is a major relief. Shows how important proper building codes are in seismic zones.
R
Rohit P
The Pacific Ring of Fire affects so many countries, including parts of North-East India. We need better public awareness and disaster preparedness drills everywhere. Nature doesn't care about borders.
S
Sarah B
Waking up to a swinging wardrobe door must have been terrifying! The article says no aftershocks observed so far, which is good news. Hope the authorities continue to monitor closely.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the report is good, it relies heavily on USGS and foreign agencies. I wish our Indian media would also highlight the work of Indian institutions like the IMD in monitoring regional seismic activity. We have the capability.
K
Kavya N
My cousin lives in Kota Kinabalu for work. She messaged saying it was scary but they are all fine. Makes you realize how small the world is and how we're all connected. Stay safe, everyone! ❤️

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