A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck early Monday morning in eastern Malaysia, as confirmed by the US Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter of the quake was located less than 100 kilometers northeast of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the coastal Sabah state, at a significant depth of 619.8 kilometers. The tremor was detected at 12:57 AM local time.
Moh Hisham Mohd Anip, head of MetMalaysia, noted that this quake surpasses the previous record in Malaysia, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred on June 5, 2015, in Ranau, Sabah, which resulted in 18 fatalities. The region’s seismic activity is attributed to its proximity to the Pacific Ring of Fire, a major area in the world for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions caused by the shifting of tectonic plates.
As local authorities continue to monitor the situation, they report that no aftershocks have been recorded so far. Residents in Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding areas felt the earthquake, prompting heightened awareness and attention to potential developments in the aftermath.
This recent seismic event highlights the region’s vulnerability due to its geological location, but it is reassuring that authorities are on alert, ensuring community preparedness in the face of natural disasters.