7.0 earthquake strikes Bali and Java Islands in Indonesia

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【Summary】A magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit Indonesia's Bali and Java islands, with no reports of injuries or damages. The quake's epicenter was in the Bali Sea, 126 miles north of Mataram. A tsunami warning was not issued. Indonesia, prone to earthquakes, experienced aftershocks measuring magnitudes 5.4 and 5.6. The deep depth of the quake is believed to have prevented major damage. Indonesia is located in the 'ring of fire' and has a history of earthquakes and tsunamis.

FutureCar Staff Aug 29, 2023 12:22 AM PT

7.0 earthquake strikes Bali and Java Islands in Indonesia

The recent earthquake in the Bali Sea had its epicenter approximately 126 miles north of Mataram, a city on the western side of Lombok. The quake originated about 516 km below the Earth's surface, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

Despite the earthquake, no tsunami warning was issued, and there have been no reports of damages or injuries so far.

Residents in coastal areas of Bali and Lombok felt the tremors just before 4 a.m. local time (2000 GMT). The earthquake was followed by aftershocks with magnitudes initially measured at 6.1 and 6.5. However, these magnitudes were later downgraded to 5.4 and 5.6, respectively.

Although Indonesia is accustomed to earthquakes, many people still evacuated their homes and hotels to seek higher ground and avoid potential collapsing structures. An Australian tourist described fearing that the hotel walls would collapse.

The manager of Mercure Kuta Bali hotel mentioned that some guests briefly left their rooms but returned as there was no damage to the building.

The Indonesian disaster agency BNPB explained that the earthquake's depth was the reason for the minimal damage reported across the country. A spokesperson stated that the quake's depth should prevent it from being destructive.

Indonesia is located along the "ring of fire," an area prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. The region experienced a devastating earthquake in December 2004, which triggered a tsunami and resulted in over 200,000 fatalities. Waves as high as 167 feet were recorded in the country's Aceh province.

MNA/PR