Series of Quakes Hit West Papua

VIVAnews - West Papua was shaken three times by earthquake this morning, Jan 16. According to data of Meteorology and Geophysics Agency, the first earthquake occurred at 6.37am, measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale in Manokwari. The epicenter was 138 kilometers north west of Manokwari, West Papua.

The second earthquake, measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale, hit Sorong, West Papua, at 6.25am. The earthquake which occurred 10 kilometers deep, was 159 kilometers north east of Sorong Sea, West Papua.

Another earthquake measured 5.8 on the Richter scale occurred 10 kilometers deep around 140 kilometers north west of Manokwari Sea.
 
In addition, Manokwari was hit nine times by earthquake on 4 January 2009, measuring to between 5.2 and 7.6 on the Richter scale. The earthquake also affected Sorong and damaged buildings in the area. Four were found dead in the disaster.

Manokwari and a number of its surrounding regions are earthquake-prone areas. The regions are the collision point of Australian, Eurasian, Pacific and Philippines plates.

Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono