Magnitude-5.0 Offshore Earthquake Hits Molucca Sea, Indonesia

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 struck the Molucca Sea in Indonesia at around 02:05 on January 31, 2024. The earthquake was felt in several parts of the region, including the city of Ternate, which is located on the nearby island of Halmahera.

The Earthquake Details

According to the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and was centered about 70 kilometers (43 miles) northeast of Ternate. The agency also reported that there was no risk of a tsunami.

Impact on the Region

The earthquake caused panic among residents in Ternate, with many people rushing out of their homes and into the streets. However, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to buildings.

The BMKG has urged residents in the region to remain calm and to be prepared for aftershocks. The agency has also advised people to stay away from the coast and to avoid buildings that may have been damaged by the earthquake.

Indonesia’s History of Earthquakes

Indonesia is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for its frequent seismic activity. The country experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, with many of them being minor tremors that go unnoticed.

However, Indonesia has also been hit by several major earthquakes in recent years, including a magnitude-7.5 earthquake that struck the island of Sulawesi in September 2018, killing more than 4,300 people.

Conclusion

The magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake that hit the Molucca Sea in Indonesia on January 31, 2024, caused panic among residents in the region but did not result in any immediate reports of casualties or damage. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency has urged people to remain calm and to be prepared for aftershocks. Indonesia’s history of earthquakes highlights the importance of being prepared for seismic activity in the region.