Earthquakes and cyclones are not uncommon to Indonesia but this time two successive earthquakes in a span of few hours jolted Indonesia.
An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 on the Richter scale hit Indonesia today at 12:40 in the afternoon. The epicenter was found to be 105 km east-southeast of Tobelo. The depth of the earthquake was reported to be at about 45.5 km.
Meanwhile, another earthquake shook Indonesia at 5:25 am. The intensity of this earthquake was measured 4.8 on the Richter scale and the epicenter was reported to be 126 km east-northeast of Laiwui at latitude 1.1⁰S and 128.7⁰E. The depth was 41.7 km from the epicenter.
Indonesia is located on the edge of three tectonic plates, i.e. the Pacific, Eurasian, and Australian. When one of the plates move, it causes earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis in the entire area, especially in Indonesia.
No damage to life or property has been reported as yet due to these two successive earthquakes. “Since the earthquakes were of light intensity, no major damage would have occurred in the region”, says Mahesh Palawat, at skymetweather.com.
Earthquakes from 4.0 to 4.9 on the Richter scale are termed as light intensity earthquakes. The one measuring 5.0 to 5.9 are known to be moderate intensity earthquakes, whereas those that measure anything beyond 6.0 on the Richter scale are called strong earthquakes.
Photo by searchbuzz.
