According to the US Geological Survey, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake was felt in eastern Indonesia early on Tuesday. Along with this, a tsunami warning has also been issued.
According to the National Center for Seismology, the epicenter of the quake was 100 km north of Maumere city at a depth of 18.5 km. The tremors of the earthquake were felt at 3.20 am local time.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said: “Dangerous tsunami waves are possible along the coast within a 1,000 km (600 mi) radius from the earthquake center.”
The USGS said the casualties were low. However, “recent earthquakes in the region have caused secondary hazards such as tsunamis and landslides that can be damaging.”
Due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, Indonesia has been experiencing frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. There is an arc of intense seismic activity where tectonic plates collide. It extends from Japan to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Basin.
In 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. This was followed by a tsunami that killed 220,000 people across the region, including about 170,000 in Indonesia.
