A strong earthquake struck Indonesia’s main island of Java and the tourist island of Bali on Friday, causing panic among residents and visitors alike. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the magnitude 7.0 quake was centered 96.5 kilometers north of Tuban, a coastal city in East Java province, at a depth of 594 kilometers. While buildings and houses swayed for several seconds, there were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency warned of possible aftershocks but said there was no danger of a tsunami. Despite this, many people were seen fleeing their homes and businesses and seeking safety on the streets. Videos circulating on social media showed panicked scenes in neighboring provinces of Central Java, Yogyakarta, and Bali.
In some areas, authorities ordered evacuations to ensure people’s safety. While there were reports of power outages and disrupted telecommunications, there were no immediate reports of significant damage. However, emergency services are monitoring the situation and responding to any needs that may arise.
Indonesia is located on the “Ring of Fire,” a volatile region in the Pacific Basin known for its volcanoes and fault lines. As such, the country is frequently hit by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami were among the most devastating natural disasters in history, killing over 230,000 people in a dozen countries, with the majority of fatalities in Indonesia’s Aceh province.
As of now, it appears that Friday’s earthquake has caused panic but no serious harm. Emergency services are monitoring the situation and responding to any needs that may arise. However, the event serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in Indonesia and other areas prone to natural disasters.