02 Oct 2018 | 12:58 AM UTC
Indonesia: Series of shallow earthquakes hit off Sumba October 2
A series of shallow earthquakes as powerful as 6.0-magnitude strike off the southern coast of Sumba in central Indonesia on October 2; further aftershocks likely
Event
Four shallow earthquakes, ranging in strength from 5.0 to 6.0-magnitude, shook the southern coast of Sumba in central Indonesia over the course of 90 minutes on Tuesday, October 2. Three of the quakes were approximately 10 km (6.2 mi) deep and hit around 25 km (15 mi) south of the island of Sumba. The quakes began at 07:12 (local time) on Tuesday, with the strongest 6.0-magnitude earthquake occurring at 08:16. The Indonesia Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency did not issue a tsunami warning. Further aftershocks are likely in the coming hours and days.
Context
Indonesia lies within the active seismic zone known as "the Pacific Ring of Fire." A deadly 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit Sulawesi on September 28, leaving more than 1200 people. A series of earthquakes also hit Lombok in July 2018, killing at least 400 people.
Advice
Individuals present in the impacted region are advised to monitor the situation, be prepared for further aftershocks, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
During an earthquake, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), to move away from windows and exterior walls, and do not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from any tall structures, such as buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.
