Indonesia: Panic as 6.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Sulawesi, no casualties reported
Ruins from the earthquake and tsunami in Sulawesi taken by Paddy Dowling (Paddy Dowling)
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Indonesia’s Sulawesi island early Wednesday morning, triggering panic but causing no reported damage or casualties.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the tremor at 6:55 AM local time (2255 GMT) at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), with its epicenter offshore near North Sulawesi province.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s meteorological agency (BMKG) measured the quake at 6.0 magnitude, confirming that it posed no tsunami threat.
Residents in North Sulawesi described moments of fear as the earthquake shook buildings.
Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, is highly prone to earthquakes due to intense tectonic activity.
The nation has suffered devastating quakes in the past, including a 6.2-magnitude tremor in 2021 that left over 100 dead, a 7.5-magnitude quake in 2018 that caused more than 2,200 fatalities, and the 9.1-magnitude earthquake in 2004 that resulted in a catastrophic tsunami, claiming over 170,000 lives in Aceh province.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation for potential aftershocks.
