Powerful 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Fiji Near Indonesia, BMKG Issues Impact Assessment

A 6.3 magnitude tectonic earthquake struck the Fiji region on Sunday, 1 March 2024 at 12:44 WIB. Analysis by the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) determined that the epicentre was located at coordinates 21.90° South; 179.44° East, specifically in the ocean approximately 394 kilometres south of Tubou, at a depth of approximately 596 kilometres.

According to BMKG, the earthquake was classified as a deep-focus earthquake resulting from the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Australian Plate. The earthquake exhibited an oblique thrust-fault mechanism.

Based on BMKG’s analysis, the earthquake poses no potential for generating a tsunami in Indonesian waters. Consequently, coastal populations in Indonesian territories have been advised to remain calm. No reports of building damage resulting from the earthquake have been received thus far.