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USGS: 5.8 Quake Rattles Island In Eastern Indonesia

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A 5.8-magnitude earthquake, classified as shallow, struck an island in eastern Indonesia on Monday, as reported by the United States Geological Survey.

The quake elicited immediate concern from local authorities, who are assessing potential impacts on communities and infrastructure in the area, given the region’s history of seismic activity.

The onshore quake, which struck the island of Tapat in the Molucca Sea at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) at 10:24 local time (0324 GMT), was reported by the US Geological Survey. Given the quake’s shallow depth, it could have a significant impact on the island’s infrastructure, prompting officials to monitor the situation closely for any signs of damage or aftershocks.

Fortunately, no immediate casualties or damage have been reported on the island, which is home to roughly 50,000 people. Local officials are relieved by this news and are working diligently to ensure that the community remains safe and prepared for any aftershocks that might follow.

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The meteorology and geophysics agency of Indonesia reported that there is no tsunami threat stemming from the earthquake, easing fears among the island’s residents. This information allows the community to direct their efforts toward any necessary assessments and recovery processes without the immediate worry of tidal waves.

Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago nation, frequently experiences earthquakes due to its placement along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” This region, characterized by intense seismic activity from tectonic plate collisions, stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and into the Pacific basin, significantly impacting the geological stability of the area.

A magnitude-6.2 quake that shook Sulawesi island in January 2021 killed more than 100 people and left thousands homeless.

In 2018, a magnitude-7.5 quake and subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi killed more than 2,200 people.

And in 2004, a magnitude-9.1 quake struck Aceh province, causing a tsunami and killing more than 170,000 people in Indonesia.

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