JAKARTA: A 6.0 magnitude earthquake on Saturday struck near the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, reported the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS said that the earthquake occurred at 9:43 pm local time (1443 GMT) at a depth of 9.9 kilometers.
While Indonesia’s geophysics agency (BMKG) initially reported a magnitude of 6.3, they later clarified that there was no immediate tsunami threat but cautioned about the possibility of aftershocks.
Residents in Central Sulawesi, such as Qamariah, a 41-year-old housewife in Malei village, described the experience. She said she was sleeping when the earthquake jolted. “I jumped out of bed immediately,” she said, adding she went up and then down. It was really strong.
Video footage obtained by AFP showed residents in Lambonga village, Central Sulawesi, in a state of panic, gathering in groups outside their homes as they sought safety due to fears of aftershocks.
Indonesia November Earthquake
In November last, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Java island, resulting in the tragic loss of 602 lives. Most of the casualties were caused by building collapses and landslides triggered by the earthquake.
In April, another earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 struck off Sumatra island, causing alarm among residents but ultimately resulting in no casualties or damage.
