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Indonesia struck by another large magnitude 7.2 earthquake

For immediate release, Saturday 7 February 2004

A large earthquake occurred late morning in the Irian Jaya region of Indonesia, approximately 100 km NW of Enarotali (approximately 1100 km NE of Darwin). The earthquake of magnitude 7.2 occurred at 11.42am local time (02:42 UT).

The event was shallow, occurring within the earth's crust and would have been felt over a wide area and caused further damage to yesterday's event.

Earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 or more are common in the Indonesian island arc region. Before yesterday's event of magnitude 6.8, the most recent large event was a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in March 1995.

For more information, please call duty seismologist David Jepsen on 02 6249 9699.
Alternatively, please call the Geoscience Australia Media Hotline (24 hours) on Freecall 1800 882 035 for more information or to arrange an interview.
For a list of the most recent earthquakes visit the Geoscience Australia website.