A moderate earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck Papua province, Indonesia, on Sunday, according to a statement from the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
The tremor was recorded 35 kilometers east of Sarmi district at a depth of 40 kilometers below the earth’s surface. The seismic event was felt in nearby areas, but no casualties or material damage have been reported so far.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, but no tsunami warning has been issued.
Indonesia is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, as it lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire — a major area in the Pacific Ocean where several tectonic plates meet, causing intense seismic and volcanic activity.
The country experiences thousands of earthquakes each year, many of which are mild, but some have caused devastating damage in the past. Local residents in Papua were advised to remain cautious and follow updates from official agencies.
