• Mou Mou
• 26 Feb, 2025

On Wednesday morning Indonesia's Sulawesi Island was rocked by a 6.0 magnitude earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicenter was 10 kilometers below the sea surface. No immediate reports of casualties or damage have emerged but the tremors have reignited fears of past deadly earthquakes in the region.

Details & Context

This earthquake comes just a day after tremors were felt across eastern India, parts of Bangladesh and districts of West Bengal and Odisha. Wednesday’s quake hit Sulawesi at 6:55 AM local time, causing strong shaking for several seconds.

Indonesia part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire” frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its position along multiple tectonic plates. The region has witnessed catastrophic events in the past, such as the 2004 Sumatra earthquake and tsunami which killed over 170,000 people.

In January 2021 a 6.2 magnitude quake struck Sulawesi killing more than 100 people and leaving thousands homeless. Another tragic event occurred in 2018 when a 7.5 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit Palu, claiming over 2,200 lives. 

While no tsunami warning has been issued yet the government and disaster management authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Residents in earthquake-prone areas have been advised to stay alert and follow safety protocols.

Quotes

Minahasa district resident shared their experience

“I felt the earthquake the moment I woke up. It was strong and everything seemed to shake. Even the elevator was trembling and people were running outside in panic.”

Read More: Rising Temperatures in Bengal This Spring - Northern Districts Brace for Storms.

Additional Information

The “Ring of Fire” is a 40,000 km horseshoe-shaped zone around the Pacific Ocean, known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Indonesia’s location within this zone makes it highly vulnerable to seismic activities.

Though no significant damage has been reported so far authorities remain on high alert. The earthquake serves as a reminder of Indonesia's seismic vulnerability, pushing residents and officials to stay prepared for potential aftershocks or further tremors.