Powerful 7.4 quake jolts Indonesia; tsunami warning issued for coastal regions
Jakarta, April 2
A powerful 7.4-magnitude offshore earthquake struck eastern Indonesia early Thursday, the United States Geological Survey said, prompting a warning from a US monitoring agency about the possibility of "hazardous tsunami waves" within a 1,000-kilometre radius of the epicentre.
According to the USGS, the earthquake's epicentre was located at 1.20 degrees north latitude and 126.35 degrees east longitude.
The quake occurred at a depth of around 30 kilometres, as reported by the China Earthquake Networks Center.
The tremor, which was initially recorded at a magnitude of 7.8, struck at approximately 6:48 a.m. local time in the Molucca Sea, the USGS added.
The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert stating that hazardous tsunami waves were possible "within 1,000 km of the epicentre," particularly along coastal areas of Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia.
The USGS also reiterated its warning regarding the potential for "hazardous tsunami waves" in regions situated within the same distance from the epicentre.
Indonesia remains one of the most seismically active regions in the world, as it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire -- a vast 40,000-kilometre arc of volcanoes and fault lines formed by the interaction of tectonic plates.
This horseshoe-shaped belt surrounding the Pacific Ocean accounts for nearly 90 per cent of the world's earthquakes and is known for its frequent seismic and volcanic activity.
Just last month, on March 3, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, according to the USGS, shaking residents but not causing significant damage.
That quake originated offshore near Sumatra's northeastern tip, leading many residents to rush outdoors in panic in a region accustomed to frequent tremors.
Meanwhile, Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, known as Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika, had recorded the magnitude of the earthquake at 6.4 and stated that it occurred at a depth of 13 kilometres.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The difference in magnitude readings between USGS (7.4) and Indonesia's own agency (6.4) is quite significant. Which one is more accurate for local response? Authorities need to coordinate better to avoid confusion during such crises.
Living in a seismic zone like India's Himalayan region, we understand this constant anxiety. Indonesia faces this so often. Their disaster management systems must be on high alert 24/7. Stay safe, neighbours.
The article mentions the quake was initially recorded at 7.8. It must be terrifying for the magnitude to be revised down *after* the panic has set in. Communication in these first minutes is so critical.
Tsunami warning within 1000 km is a huge area. This affects millions. Hope the Andaman & Nicobar Islands command is also monitoring closely, even though it's outside the radius. We share the same ocean.
The depth makes a big difference—30 km vs 13 km in different reports. A shallower quake usually means more intense shaking. Can't imagine the fear of people who felt it. Sending strength from here. 💪
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