Indonesia earthquake: 6.9-magnitude tremor strikes in Banda Sea

No risk of tsunami in Indian Ocean region as a result of quake, officials say

The quake struck in the Banda sea, with tremors felt on the surrounding Indonesian islands (USGS)

An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 has struck in the Banda Sea off the coast of Indonesia, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) has said.

The quake was at a depth of 117 km 73 miles, the body said said.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) gave a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, adding that the quake was located 205 kilometers (128 miles) northwest of the nearest city, Saumlaki.

The natural phenomenon triggered moderate shaking and was unlikely to cause injuries or economic losses, USGS said.

The Indonesia Tsunami Service Provider has since said the earthquake is not capable of generating a tsunami effect in the Indian Ocean region.

Indonesia, a vast archipelago of 260 million people, is frequently struck by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis because of its location on the so-called “Ring of Fire” – an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin.

Additional reporting by agencies.