“`html
Indonesia Issues Tsunami Warning After 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Near Papua
Table of Contents
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a tsunami warning on Thursday, October 10, 2024, following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck near Papua province. The quake occurred at 8:44 a.m. western Indonesia Time (UTC+7).
The earthquake’s epicenter was located 176 kilometers northwest of Jayapura, Papua, at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the BMKG. Initial reports indicate the quake was felt strongly in Jayapura and surrounding areas.
Tsunami Warning and Evacuation Orders
The BMKG initially issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas of Papua province, urging residents to instantly evacuate to higher ground. The warning covered several coastal regions, prompting local authorities to activate emergency protocols.
“We have issued a tsunami warning for several areas in Papua,” said Daryono, Head of the BMKG’s Earthquake and Tsunami Center, in a press statement. “We are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to the public.”
As of 9:14 a.m. Western indonesia Time (UTC+7), the BMKG confirmed that no aftershocks had been detected. However, the agency continues to urge residents in coastal areas to remain alert and avoid beaches until the official warning is lifted.
“We urge the public to stay calm, avoid unreliable sources, and follow directions from local authorities and BMKG,” Daryono added, advising coastal residents to move to higher ground as a precaution.
Indonesia’s Vulnerability to Seismic activity
Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire,a region prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country has a history of devastating tsunamis, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami which claimed the lives of over 230,000 people across multiple countries, including over 170,000 in Indonesia.
The BMKG operates a comprehensive network of seismic sensors and tsunami buoys to detect and provide early warnings for potential threats. recent upgrades to the warning system aim to improve accuracy and speed of alerts.
| Year | Earthquake Magnitude | Location | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 9.1 – 9.3 | Indian Ocean (sumatra, Indonesia) | ~230,000 fatalities (Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, etc.) |
| 2018 | 7.5 | Central Sulawesi, Indonesia | ~4,340 fatalities (Palu & Donggala) |
| 2022 | 5.6 | West Java, Indonesia | ~33
previous post
NBA Legend’s Shocking Story: A Stunning Explanation |