Earthquake Hits Indonesia’s Tapat Island, No Reports of Casualties or Damage
A shallow 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck the island of Tapat in the Molucca sea at 10.24am local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10km and there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to the island, which has a population of around 50,000.
Position on the "Ring of Fire"
Indonesia is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of intense seismic activity where tectonic plates collide, stretching from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin. This location makes the country prone to frequent earthquakes.
Recent Earthquake History
In January 2021, a magnitude-6.2 quake struck Sulawesi island, killing more than 100 people and leaving thousands homeless. In 2018, a magnitude-7.5 quake and subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi killed more than 2,200 people. In 2004, a magnitude-9.1 quake struck Aceh province, causing a tsunami and killing more than 170,000 people in Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Meteorology and Geophysics Agency’s Assessment
According to Indonesia’s meteorology and geophysics agency, there was no tsunami threat following the latest earthquake.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s geography, with its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", makes it susceptible to frequent earthquakes, which can have devastating consequences. While the latest earthquake did not result in immediate reports of casualties or damage, it is crucial for the authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for potential future seismic events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Tapat island?
A: The earthquake had a magnitude of 5.8.
Q: Where is the earthquake located?
A: The earthquake struck the island of Tapat in the Molucca sea.
Q: Are there any reports of casualties or damage?
A: No, there are no reported casualties or damage from the earthquake.
Q: Is there a tsunami threat?
A: According to Indonesia’s meteorology and geophysics agency, there is no tsunami threat.