Powerful earthquake hits Indonesia

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 struck Indonesia’s Papua Province on Tuesday morning, according to data from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

Seismologists reported that the epicentre of the tremor was located at a depth of around 26 kilometres. The quake was recorded approximately 206 kilometres from Jayapura, the administrative centre of Papua Province.

There have been no reports of casualties or damage. Indonesian authorities continue to monitor the situation, as the Papua region is known for its high seismic activity.

Earlier, the ANTARA News Agency, citing Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), reported that activity along the Lembang fault in West Bandung Regency, West Java Province, could trigger an earthquake of up to magnitude 5.5. The BMKG urged authorities to strengthen disaster preparedness measures – to ensure the seismic resistance of buildings, prepare emergency kits, and practise basic safety procedures during an earthquake.

Emergency response measures were among the issues addressed in the declaration adopted by BRICS leaders at the summit in Rio de Janeiro in July. The document emphasised the importance of joint efforts to reduce disaster risk. In addition, a Work Plan for 2025–2028 was adopted, providing for the development of early warning systems, the strengthening of resilient infrastructure, and the protection of vulnerable population groups.

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