A moderate earthquake, registering a magnitude of 5.5, occurred in Indonesia’s West Papua region early Friday. According to data from the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the quake’s epicenter was 10 kilometers deep. The shallow depth of the quake is a factor that can increase the potential for damage, as the ground shaking is felt intensely at the surface.
Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched by local authorities. Authorities warned of possible aftershocks and are actively evaluating the extent of the damage to buildings and the safety of residents. The intensity of the shaking triggered widespread panic in some communities.