Indonesia was hit by a moderate earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale that shook easternmost province of Papua on Thursday. Although there were no damages reported immediately, the latest earthquake had sparked panic among the people.
The quake struck at 0821 hours IST and was centred inland some 25 km southwest of provincial capital Jayapura at a depth of 20 km, meteorology office spokesman said.
The quake came 12 days later after a massive magnitude 9.0 shock centred in the Indian Ocean off Sumatra Island caused devastating tsunami waves that left more than 45,000 people dead on the island and killed tens of thousands across Asia.
Papua and Aceh sit 4,750 km apart at the far extremes of the Indonesian archipelago, which lies atop the collision point of three continental plates, causing frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Meanwhile, a fresh tsunami alert has been sounded across Indian coastal regions such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Lakshwadeep, Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman Nicobar Islands today.
An emergency Cabinet meeting was called in New Delhi after a warning was received from international sources on the Pacific rim. The home ministry said: “An earthquake is possible off the coast of Australia that may lead to rising seawaters and a possible tsunami.”
District administrations have been asked to be on alert and keep continuous vigil on any development in the sea. People living within two kilometres of the coastline in Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar, Kerala, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh and Lakshadweep have been asked to move to safer places in the interiors.
The Army, Air Force and Navy have been put on high alert. "Their services may be requisitioned wherever required," the home ministry said.
As soon as the reports spread Panic gripped the coastal belt. Officials evacuated people from coastal belts and asked them not to go anywhere near the sea. People are also fleeing from low-lying areas.
The Kerala government has also asked the people along the coast to remain alert as there were possibilities of high waves striking again. Water level at Puthu Vype in Vypeen Island was said to be rising.
An alert has also been sounded in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Water levels are reportedly rising in many areas, as panic spreads among the locals. Schools and colleges have also been shut across Pondicherry, and people are reportedly fleeing to safer grounds.
