Indonesia Rocked by 6.6 Magnitude Earthquake in Banda Sea, Tsunami Threat Dismissed
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale struck Indonesia’s Banda Sea region, shaking the island nation just two weeks after a previous tremor. The quake, which occurred deep beneath the ocean floor, did not result in any reported casualties. Initial fears of a tsunami were raised but later dismissed by experts.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 137 kilometers or 85 miles below the seabed in the Banda Sea. Indonesia lies near the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active zones on Earth.
This region is known for frequent earthquakes due to its complex tectonic structure. The Banda Sea area is particularly volatile, sitting at the intersection of multiple tectonic plates including the Australian Plate and the Sunda Plate. These interactions have fragmented the Earth’s crust into several smaller plates and microplates such as the Banda Sea Plate, Timor Plate, Molucca Sea Plate, and Bird’s Head Plate, making it one of the most geologically complex environments in the world.
Despite the intensity of the quake, the depth and nature of the seismic activity meant that it was unlikely to trigger a tsunami. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged residents to remain calm and follow official guidance.
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