An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck early Monday off the coast of Malaysia, according to the US Geological Survey. While the earthquake occurred near the coast of Malaysia, the tremors of the earthquake were also felt in neighboring countries such as the Philippines and Brunei.
According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter of the earthquake was less than 100 kilometers northeast of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the coastal state of Sabah in Malaysia, and at a depth of 619.8 kilometers.
According to what was reported by the local news agency BernamaThe head of the Malaysian Meteorological Authority, Moh Hisham Mohd Anib, said that the earthquake occurred off the coast of Sabah state, as the state is located near the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active area formed due to the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates.
He added to the news agency that the authorities are monitoring the situation and “have not noticed any aftershocks” so far.
“The fan swung violently, and the doors swung.”
While no casualties or damage have been reported so far, residents living in Kota Kinabalu and surrounding areas reported strong tremors due to the earthquake.
Local media quoted one of Butaton’s drivers as saying, “The earthquake lasted about 10 seconds, but it was felt for much longer. The ceiling fan in the living room swung violently, and picture frames shook. It was stronger than any earthquake we have ever seen before.”
Another said she was asleep and woke up to find her “closet door swinging” due to the movement of the building.
Monday’s earthquake represents the strongest earthquake to hit Malaysia since 2015. In 2015, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Ranau in the coastal state of Sabah, killing 18 people.
