5 Things You Should Know About The 5.2-Magnitude Earthquake That Rocked Sabah
No casualties have been reported so far.
By Jia Vern Tham — 09 Mar 2018, 01:48 PM
Yesterday, 8 March, an earthquake with a 5.2 magnitude hit 11km north-west of Ranau, Sabah
According to Kwong Wah's report, the "moderate" earthquake happened just after 9pm on Thursday.
It has been less than three years since the fatal 2015 Ranau earthquake, which killed 18 people and injured 130 others.
1. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the earthquake did not trigger a tsunami warning
The department also confirmed that the "moderate" earthquake was 5km deep, with a 5.2 magnitude.
2. Witnesses say the earthquake lasted for about three seconds
"It was weak at first, and then got stronger and then stopped," one witness was quoted in a Free Malaysia Today report.
Malay Mail Online also reported that Maibin Johanes, a Ranau resident, felt strong tremors that lasted for a few seconds before he woke his family up to rush out of their house.
3. 193 people were evacuated immediately from Mount Kinabalu, and are reported to be safe
Climbers were gathered at an emergency meeting point at the Laban Rata base camp on Mount Kinabalu.
Sabah Parks director Jamili Nais told Malay Mail Online that everyone on the mountain was safe.
"All 130 climbers, 42 mountain guides, six special search and rescue guides, four porters, and 11 Sabah Parks staff are OK," he said.
"There have been no injuries or untoward incidents," he added.
4. A geologist identified the earthquake as a new quake, instead of an aftershock of the fatal one in 2015
Free Malaysia Today reported that Sabah has experienced more than 100 aftershocks since the 6.0-magnitude earthquake in 2015.
Nonetheless, a professor at Universiti Malaysia Sabah said the earthquake was a new one, since no tremors had been recorded for a long time.
"There could be aftershocks after last night's quake but we hope it will not be a long series of earthquakes," the professor, Dr. Felix Tongkul told Free Malaysia Today.
Dr. Felix Tongkul pointing at fallen trees as a result of the 2015 Ranau earthquake.
Image via Berita Harian5. Access to Mount Kinabalu will be closed for a day following the earthquake
According to Malay Mail Online, Jamili said the decision was made for authorities to conduct thorough safety checks in the day.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department also tested the tsunami warning system in Bintulu between 9am to 12pm earlier today, and advised the public not to panic over siren sounds.
For more information and updates, you can refer to Malaysian Meteorological Department's Facebook page here.