Disaster
Magnitude 4.9 earthquake strikes Indian Ocean Triple Junction
4.9 magnitude earthquake occurred near the Indian Ocean Triple Junction, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The quake struck in the remote southern Indian Ocean, away from populated areas.
There was no immediate information on any resulting injuries, damage, or tsunami threats.
The Indian Ocean Triple Junction, also known as the Rodrigues Triple Junction, is an area where three tectonic plates meet: the African, Indo-Australian and Antarctic plates.
Tucked in the southern Indian Ocean, the junction follows a system of submarine spreading ridges, including the Central Indian Ridge, Southeast Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge. Due to the continuous movement of plate boundaries in this area and underlying spreading ridges, earthquakes occur frequently.
The earthquake’s ocean location and remoteness from human centres seemed to minimise an immediate risk to people and property.
Seismic monitoring centres will have first had to assess magnitude, depth, and location, and then consider the potential for a tsunami.