AiBotA magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia on early Thursday morning, prompting a tsunami warning for the southern shores of the island of Borneo and the northern parts of several Indonesian islands. The quake, which occurred at approximately 2:30 am local time, was followed by a series of aftershocks in the region.
According to the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 166 kilometers southwest of Runup, a coastal town in the province of East Nusa Tenggara. The agency reported that the initial quake had a depth of 562 kilometers and was followed by several aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.3 tremor that struck shortly after the initial quake.
The Indonesian government promptly issued a tsunami warning for several surrounding islands, including the southern coast of Borneo, which is shared with Malaysia. Residents in areas under the warning were advised to immediately evacuate to higher ground or follow the evacuation instructions of local authorities.
“It is essential that people in coastal areas take this warning seriously and move to a safer location,” said Syamsul Ma’arif, a spokesperson for the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency. “While the risk of a tsunami is always present, we want to make sure that everyone is prepared and follows the instructions of the authorities.”
The BMKG reported that a tsunami with waves of up to 0.5 meters was possible for the northern parts of the islands of Lombok, Sumbawa, and Siau Island, and the southern coast of Borneo. The agency warned that the warning could be upgraded or downgraded in the coming hours as more data becomes available.
The earthquake and subsequent tsunami warning caused widespread panic and disruption across the region, with many residents rushing to higher ground or seeking shelter in evacuation centers. However, no reports of injury or damage have been confirmed so far.
Indonesia, which lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, and the government has put in place various disaster preparedness and response systems to mitigate the impact of such events.
The international community, including the United States, Japan, and Australia, were quick to offer assistance and support to the Indonesian government in responding to the disaster. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that an earthquake had occurred in the region and was working closely with Indonesian authorities to provide any necessary assistance.
As the situation continues to develop, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure their safety.