6.1-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts East Flores

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, 21 Dzulqa’dah 1437/4 August 2016 (MINA) – An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale jolted East Flores district in Easet Nusa Tenggara province at 3.39 am local time on Wednesday, Antara reported.

Local Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) spokesman Sumawan said the epicenter of the earthquake was located at 7.46 degrees Southern Latitude and 122.54 degrees Eastern Longitude, some 105 km northwest of East Flores.

Sumawan said the earthquake was strong enough but did not have the potential to trigger tsunami, or cause material damage, but he warned the local community to remain alert.

Indonesia lies within the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire”, where tectonic plates collide and cause frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

In June, a magnitude 6.5 tremor damaged buildings in western Sumatra Island, with its shocks reportedly felt in parts of Singapore and peninsular Malaysia to the north. (T/R07/R01)

 Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)