Powerful 6.5 Quake Rocks Java, Indonesia

A powerful 6.5 magnitude quake struck off Java, Indonesia, shaking buildings in Jakarta and nearby cities. No tsunami warning was issued, but residents reported panic as tremors lasted 10-15 seconds.

Jakarta, Indonesia: A powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia's Java island on Saturday, shaking buildings in the capital Jakarta and nearby cities. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake at a magnitude of 6.1 and depth of 68.3 km (42 miles).

There were no immediate reports of casualties, but residents described panic as the strong tremors shook homes and high-rise buildings in Jakarta and Bandung. "I screamed to my wife and kids to tell them to get out of the house," said 47-year-old Bandung resident Iman Krisnawan. "Usually, earthquakes lasted about 5 seconds, this one lasted between 10-15 seconds."

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported the 6.5 magnitude quake but did not issue a tsunami warning. The quake was felt across the densely populated Indonesian island of Java.

Video footage showed office workers and residents in Jakarta evacuating buildings as a precaution when the shaking began. In Bandung, the tremors cracked walls and sent furniture toppling inside homes and offices.

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Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency said it was still collecting information about any damage or casualties from the powerful offshore quake.

Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is frequently struck by earthquakes and occasional tsunamis. In 2018, a 7.5 magnitude quake triggered a tsunami that struck Palu city on Sulawesi island, killing over 2,200 people.

The massive 2004 Aceh quake had a magnitude of 9.1 and triggered a devastating tsunami across the Indian Ocean, killing over 170,000 in Indonesia alone.

While there was no tsunami threat from Saturday's quake, it will likely renew concerns about preparedness for the next major earthquake disaster on Java island or elsewhere in the disaster-prone nation.