12 Oct 2023 | 07:01 AM UTC
Indonesia: Magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurs in Arafura Sea, northeast of Tual, Maluku Province, at around 15:18 Oct. 12
Magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurs northeast of Tual, Maluku, Indonesia, 15:18 Oct. 12. No initial reports of damage, casualties.
Event
A magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurred in the Arafura Sea at around 15:18 Oct. 12. The epicenter was about 175 km (109 miles) northeast of Tual, Maluku Province. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 7 km (4 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout West Papua, far eastern Maluku, and southern Southwest Papua provinces. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties; however, significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
Advice
Out of an abundance of caution, consider vacating multistory buildings where shaking occurred until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Monitor and plan for aftershocks.
