A magnitude earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit Indonesia, specifically the Java region last Saturday. In a report from CNN, the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the quake's epicenter was at 39 kilometers south- southeast of Adipala.
Saharasamay reported the quake occurred at 7:36 am local time 318 kilometers east northeast of Dili, the capital of East Timor. The quake emanated in the Banda Sea at 18 kilometers depth.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had not issued any tsunami alerts after the quake, as it occured between the Maluku Islands and East Timor. The U.S. Geological Survey damage assessment issued a low percentage of casualties, as the area is remote and did not have any major cities in the immediate vicinity.
In a report from CBS News, Dobo resident Victor Saihaya related how the quake shook his house, causing panic in the area. He said, "It was so strong... many people screaming while running in panic. But I don't see any damage in my neighborhood."
The said area sits on the renowned Pacific Ring of Fire, according to SBS. This is the area where tectonic plates collide, thus causing very frequent earthquake of both tectonic or volcanic in origin.
Just last month, as reported on the Straits Times, another earthquake also measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale had hit the main island of Java in Indonesia. About 35 people had died and causing damage to dozens of buildings and hundreds of homes.
All these though paled in comparison to the December 26, 2004 quake which according to an NBC News report, measured 9.0 on the Richter scale and hit the island of Banda Aceh. The said tremblor caused a tsunami that resulted in the death of nearly 300,000 people, which is the largest in human recorded history.
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