Bitung: An earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale struck off Sunday the coast of Bitung, northern Indonesia. The seismic event has drawn attention due to the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters.

According to Qatar News Agency, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the epicenter of the earthquake was located at a depth of 50.6 km, approximately 129 km southeast of the Indonesian city of Bitung. Despite the significant magnitude, there have been no reports of material damage or human losses as a result of the earthquake so far.

Indonesia frequently experiences earthquakes as it sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region where several tectonic plates meet, leading to frequent volcanic and seismic activity. This geographical positioning makes Indonesia particularly vulnerable to such natural events, necessitating constant vigilance and preparedness.