Earthquake in Indonesia's Papua region kills 4
1 Min Read
A 5.1-magnitude earthquake hits southwest of Jayapura city.
-
People standing on the roofing of collapsed shops in the port after a 5.1-magnitude earthquake in Jayapura (AFP)
At least four people were killed Thursday when an earthquake struck the capital of Indonesia's breakaway eastern region of Papua and crumpled a waterfront restaurant, officials said.
According to the US Geological Survey, the 5.1-magnitude quake hit around 1:28 pm (0628 GMT) on land just southwest of Jayapura city at a depth of 22 kilometers.
"A cafe collapsed and four people died there. It fell into the sea," Asep Khalid, head of the Jayapura disaster mitigation agency, confirmed in a press release.
Residents in Jayapura said people scrambled for safety, running from houses and shops when the earthquake struck.
The country's meteorological agency gave a higher magnitude of 5.2 and warned of potential aftershocks.
Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where tectonic plates collide.
The region affected by Thursday's earthquake is home to a decades-long insurgency waged by rebels seeking independence from Indonesia.
Read more: 5.7-magnitude quake hits Indonesia's Java Island, no casualties so far
