6.9 earthquake strikes Banda Sea region of Indonesia

An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck the Banda Sea region of Indonesia on November 8, Wednesday, as reported by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

What

• The EMSC indicated that the quake was located 370 km (229.9 miles) southeast of Ambon, Indonesia, with an estimated depth of 146 km.

• Initially, the EMSC had reported the magnitude as 6.8.

• There was no tsunami threat from the earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PWTC) said.

• According to the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency, or BMKG, the tremor was felt moderately in the town of Saumlaki in the archipelago's Tanimbar Islands.

• A 41-year-old Saumlaki resident Lambert Tatang told AFP, "The earthquake was quite intense. But the people here were not panicking. We are used to having earthquakes. Especially after we learned that there was no tsunami threat, so life is just normal now."

• The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said, that this earthquake was followed by another 7.0 magnitude quake in the same area and two 5.1 magnitude aftershocks.

What is the Ring of Fire?

The "Ring of Fire" refers to a path along the Pacific Ocean known for its high levels of tectonic activity, including volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. And Indonesia is situated along the Pacific Ocean's Ring of Fire, which makes the region prone to earthqaukes, cyclones and other natural disasters. 

(This is a developing story, please check back for updates)