Strong 7.1-magnitude quake hits eastern Malaysia

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck eastern Malaysia, with its epicentre located approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah state. The quake occurred at a significant depth of 619.8 kilometers, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. This depth may have mitigated the impact on the surface, but the tremors were felt across the region, raising concerns about the safety and readiness of local infrastructure to withstand such seismic events. Malaysia, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is no stranger to earthquakes, yet significant events are relatively rare. Residents of Kota Kinabalu and surrounding areas reported feeling the tremors, prompting immediate safety precautions. While no immediate reports of casualties or severe damage have been released, authorities are on high alert and monitoring the situation closely. The government is expected to assess the impact and ensure the safety of its citizens in the aftermath of this natural disaster, underscoring the importance of earthquake preparedness in vulnerable regions.