Moderate Quake Hits Indian Ocean, No Tsunami Threat to Australia

A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck beneath the Indian Ocean on Monday, approximately 900 kilometers southwest of Christmas Island, an Australian territory, according to Geoscience Australia. The seismic event occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Geoscience Australia confirmed the quake’s remote location, roughly 1,600 kilometers from mainland Australia, posed no risk to coastal communities. The agency stated that no tsunami warnings were necessary, aligning with assessments from the USGS, which noted the earthquake’s distance from populated areas reduced its potential impact.

The Australian Associated Press reported that the tremor was unlikely to have been felt by residents of Christmas Island or other nearby territories due to its offshore epicenter and moderate magnitude. Geoscience Australia further clarified that the event did not meet the criteria for generating a tsunami, ensuring no threat to Australia’s western coastline.