The quake’s epicenter was recorded in the sea southwest of Sulawesi at a moderate depth, which helped limit potential damage on land. So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or structural destruction. BMKG officials said aftershocks were possible but unlikely to trigger further risks.
This is the second strong earthquake to hit Indonesia within a week. Just days earlier, a 6.6-magnitude quake jolted the Banda Sea near the Maluku Islands at a depth of around 137 kilometers. That quake, too, did not generate a tsunami.
Indonesia lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a highly seismically active region where multiple tectonic plates meet, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations. The country regularly experiences earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis due to its complex geological position.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and follow official safety advisories. “While there is no tsunami potential, people in coastal regions should stay cautious of possible aftershocks,” a BMKG spokesperson said in a brief statement.
The recent spate of tremors underscores Indonesia’s persistent vulnerability to seismic hazards. In January 2021, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake in West Sulawesi killed more than 100 people and displaced thousands, highlighting the need for stronger preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the island nation.
Globally, seismic activity has surged in recent weeks. Earlier this week, a 6.3-magnitude quake struck northern Afghanistan near Mazar-e-Sharif, killing at least 20 people and injuring hundreds, further emphasizing the unpredictable nature of tectonic movements across Asia’s seismic belt.
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