A 6.4 magnitude quake jolts Indonesia’s Java island; no casualties reported.
A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia’s Java island on Friday, sending tremors across the capital Jakarta and parts of East Java province.
As per the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred around 85 km north of Bawean island, with its epicentre located at a depth of around 8 km.
No loss of lives or damage to property was reported due to the offshore quake, and local authorities did not issue any tsunami warning.
Residents of Surabaya, Java’s largest city located near the epicentre, felt strong shaking that lasted over a minute. Many rushed out of their homes in panic, according to eyewitnesses.
“The jolt made us unsteady, and sewer water outside was swaying. My family and I hurried outside along with neighbours,” said a journalist based in Surabaya.
Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis owing to its position on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire. A 2021 quake killed over 100 people in Sulawesi, while the massive 2004 quake triggered a tsunami that claimed over 1,70,000 lives in Aceh.
Though Friday’s offshore quake was powerful, there was no immediate report of any casualty, relief the highly populated Java could do without. Seismic activity in the region remains under watch.
