West Papua, Aug 12: An earthquake with a revised magnitude of 6.5 struck Indonesia’s West Papua region on Tuesday at a depth of 17 kilometres (10.56 miles), the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said. This update raised the initial magnitude estimate of 6.1.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there is no threat of a tsunami following the quake
Indonesia lies along multiple tectonic boundaries, including the Sunda Trench, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Historical data shows the area has previously experienced even larger earthquakes—such as the 2002 West Papua quake, which registered between 7.5 and 8.2 and triggered a tsunami over 3 to 5 meters high, causing severe coastal damage.
Local authorities in West Papua are likely assessing potential impacts on infrastructure. As of now, there have been no reports of casualties or damage, but details are still emerging.
Emergency protocols remain in effect across eastern Indonesia, underscoring the region’s ongoing vulnerability to seismic activity.
