INDONESIA: On Friday, a powerful earthquake rattled parts of Java, the largest island in Indonesia, causing panic among the population. However, early reports indicate that there have been no significant injuries or extensive damage.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake, measuring magnitude 5.8, was located at a depth of 86 kilometers (53.4 miles), approximately 84 kilometers (52 miles) southwest of Bambanglipuro village in the Bantul regency of Yogyakarta province.
Residents in Yogyakarta’s special province, as well as neighboring Central Java and East Java, experienced fear as buildings shook. Evacuation orders were issued, and some areas experienced flooding.
The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency confirmed that there was no tsunami threat and provided a preliminary magnitude of 6.4. The agency’s warning was based on initial measurements of the earthquake.
Yogyakarta is a historically significant cultural center in Java and has been home to ancient royal dynasties. The region is known for landmarks such as Mount Merapi, the country’s most active volcano, as well as the impressive Hindu temple complex of Prambanan and the 9th-century Borobudur.
Borobudur is a monumental structure with multiple layers adorned with Buddha statues and relief panels. Both sites are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In 2006, Yogyakarta experienced a devastating 6.4 magnitude earthquake that resulted in more than 6,200 fatalities and 130,000 injuries. The two temples mentioned earlier sustained minor damage from that event.
Indonesia’s population, exceeding 270 million, faces the constant risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis due to its location on the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific Basin.
The region experienced a catastrophic tsunami in 2004, which claimed the lives of over 230,000 people across 12 countries, with Aceh province being the hardest hit.
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