Bali, Indonesia Earthquake

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Posting Date: January 2, 2004, 12:30:00 PM

A strong earthquake struck the Islands of Bali and Lombok in Indonesia on Friday, January2, 2004, at about 5:00 a.m. local time (January 1 at 21:00 UTC). The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimated the magnitude at 5.8 Mw, with a focal depth of about 17 miles (28 km). The quake was centered under the Straits of Lombok, about 18 miles (29 km) from the east coast of Bali, 50 miles (80 km) east-northeast of Denpasar, Bali, and about 75 miles (120 km) north of Mataram, Lombok. The earthquake was located in the Australian and Eurasian plate boundary zone. The Australian plate moves northward at a rate of about 70 mm/yr. It subducts under the Eurasia plate in the west, while colliding with the Southeast Asia continental margin in the east. The current earthquake is located in a transition zone between the two. Early reports speak of damage to about 12 buildings on the western coast of the island of Lombok, mostly cracks in roofs and windows. Damage to buildings on Bali was considered lighter. One death and 29 injuries were attributed to the earthquake.

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Posting Date: January 2, 2004, 12:30:00 PM