There have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Authorities are monitoring the situation, and further details are awaited. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay alert for possible aftershocks.
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near Masohi, Kabupaten Maluku Tengah, Maluku, Indonesia, in the early hours of Tuesday, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). The quake occurred at 2:32 AM local time at a shallow depth of 10 km, making it more likely to be strongly felt by residents in the affected areas.
Multiple agencies confirm quake magnitude
Reports from multiple seismic monitoring agencies, including the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), also registered the earthquake at magnitude 6.0. However, experts caution that the epicenter, depth, and magnitude may be revised as seismologists analyze additional data.
Impact on local communities
While the earthquake was widely felt near the epicenter, it is not expected to have caused significant damage. Light shaking was reported in Masohi (138 km from the epicenter, population: 36,400) and Amahai (145 km away, population: 47,700). Residents in these areas may have experienced minor disturbances such as objects falling from shelves or rattling windows.
Ongoing monitoring and updates
Seismologists will continue to analyze data to provide accurate information about the quake’s impact. Updates on magnitude, depth, and aftershocks will be provided as new reports emerge.
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to share their experiences through earthquake reporting platforms to help experts assess the extent of the tremor’s effects.
Also read | NASA confirms Sunita Williams’ return date to earth after nine-month ISS stay, shares splashdown time
