Magnitude-6.1 Earthquake Strikes Indonesia’s Papua Region, Causing Damage

A magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck Indonesia’s easternmost region of Papua early on Friday, resulting in scattered damage primarily in the coastal town of Nabire. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported as of yet.

The earthquake, which occurred at 05:28 local time, caused significant damage to at least two houses and the main bridge in Nabire, according to Suharyanto, the chief of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. Additional structures, including a government office, a church, and an airport, sustained minor damage.

Response and Recovery Efforts

In a video message, Suharyanto assured the public, stating, “Overall, the situation is safe and under control.” Residents reacted swiftly during the quake, evacuating their homes and moving to higher ground as a precaution. Reports from Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the disaster agency, indicated that telecommunication networks in Nabire and several nearby towns were temporarily disrupted.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) south of Nabire, with a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency confirmed that there was no tsunami threat, as the quake was centered inland.

Historical Context

Nabire has a history of seismic activity, having experienced deadly earthquakes in the past. In February and November of 2004, earthquakes resulted in 30 and 32 fatalities, respectively, while damaging hundreds of homes.

Indonesia, an archipelago of over 280 million people, is situated on major seismic faults, making it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that residents are kept informed and safe.