Indonesia's Java island struck by earthquake of 5.1 magnitude
Indonesian island of Java (Getty Images)
An offshore earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 struck near the southern coast of Java island in Indonesia on December 28, according to Crisis24.
The epicenter was located about 32 miles (52 km) south-southwest of Singaparna, a district that is the regency seat of Tasikmalaya Regency in West Java. The tremor reached a depth of around 45 miles (72 km). Light shaking may have been felt in parts of Java.
There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties, making noteworthy damage unlikely. Total damage assessments, particularly in remote areas, may take several hours for authorities to conduct. Aftershocks are anticipated in the coming days, but no tsunami alerts have been issued.
As a precaution, officials might temporarily close transportation infrastructure in the affected area to assess potential damage. Little disruptions could occur during these shutdowns, but services are expected to renew quickly if no damage is detected. Utility outages may happen in affected areas.
Java island
Java is one of the Greater Sunda Islands in Indonesia. It is the world's most populous island with a population of 151.6 million people. The island is home to around 56% of the Indonesian population. It is often struck by large earthquakes. The most recently fatal one happened on 21 November 2022 in West Java. Between 335 and 635 people died, while 7,729 were injured.
Recent earthquakes
On December 18, the most powerful earthquake in recent years happened in China with a magnitude of 6.2. It struck remote regions between the Chinese provinces of Gansu and Qinghai. 149 people died, approximately 1,000 people were injured as a result of the earthquake, and over 87,000 individuals were displaced.
On December 17, an earthquake struck southwestern Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea near the famous resort and tourist pilgrimage site of Fethiye.
