A SHALLOW earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale jolted Indonesia's Central Papua province in the early hours of Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake struck approximately 28 kilometres south of the town of Nabire, with the tremor originating at a depth of 10 kilometres.
Indonesia’s Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) reported a higher magnitude of 6.6, recorded at a depth of 24 kilometres, and noted the occurrence of several aftershocks.
There have been no official reports of casualties or property damage.
Indonesia, a vast archipelago situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences seismic activity due to the convergence of multiple tectonic plates in the region.
Meanwhile, a much stronger earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula around the same time, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning.
According to the USGS, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.8 and occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, some 128 kilometres east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Footage circulating on Russian social media showed furniture and light fixtures shaking violently inside residential homes.
Russia’s Geophysical Service recorded a slightly lower magnitude of 7.4 and confirmed at least five aftershocks following the main quake.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) also issued an alert, warning of potential large waves affecting several coastal areas in proximity to the epicentre.
Governor of Kamchatka, Vladimir Solodov, stated on Telegram: “This morning once again tests the resilience of Kamchatka’s residents. At this time, there have been no reports of damage. I ask everyone to remain calm. A tsunami warning has been issued for the eastern coast of the peninsula.”
In July, the same region was struck by a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake that triggered a tsunami, sweeping away parts of coastal villages. - September 19, 2025
