Business Standard

Strong quake strikes off eastern Indonesia: USGS

Image

AFP Jakarta
A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia today, the United States Geological Survey said, but no tsunami warning was issued and there were no reports of casualties or damage.

The quake struck in waters near the remote Barat Daya islands in Maluku province at 8:52 pm local time, 411 kilometres east of Atambua and 425 kilometres south of Ambon, the USGS said.

It was at a depth of 132 kilometres.

Amin Bin Tongke, chief search and rescue official for Maluku province, told AFP officials had not received any reports of casualties or damage.

"The quake is in a really remote area, near a cluster of small islands away from cities or towns, with a very small population," he said.
 

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue an alert.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Sep 01 2013 | 7:05 PM IST

Explore News