Indonesian Officials Waiting For Damage Reports After Large Quake Strikes Papua

April 21, 2012


Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency is waiting for potential reports of damage after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 struck Papua on Saturday.

In Manokwari, “the quake was felt quite strongly for a couple of seconds, and residents ran away from houses and buildings,” Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said.

There were no immediate reports of damage, although the office was still waiting for reports from the regions, he said.

The agency said the quake had no tsunami potential.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake was recorded offshore, 51 miles south-southeast of the town of Manokwari, at a depth of 18.5 miles.

It had initially estimated the magnitude of the tremor at 6.9 and 7.0. At least one major aftershock was recorded.

Reuters

(also from the JG)