A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck the Tanimbar Islands in southeastern Indonesia on Monday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ).

The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles), raising concerns among residents across the region. However, no tsunami warning has been issued so far, and there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

The Tanimbar Islands, a remote group of around 30 islands located in Indonesia’s eastern Maluku province, lie in the Arafura Sea between Timor and New Guinea. This seismically active region is part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped belt known for frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tectonic activity.

Monday’s quake follows a similar seismic event in January 2023, when a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the same area, triggering a tsunami warning that lasted several hours and caused widespread panic. That event resulted in damage to at least 15 homes and two school buildings, though no fatalities were reported.

Indonesia, an archipelagic nation of more than 270 million people, is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries due to its position along major tectonic fault lines. The country is home to over 120 active volcanoes and experiences hundreds of tremors each year, some of which have historically caused devastating tsunamis and loss of life.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation around the Tanimbar Islands, and residents are advised to remain alert to aftershocks and official updates. (ILKHA)