Magnitude 7.1 Mw Max. intensity X (Extreme) | ||
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Date 25 June 1976 (1976-06-25) Casualties at least 422 dead, over 5,000 missing | ||
The 1976 Papua earthquake occurred on 25 June with a moment magnitude of 7.1 in Papua, Indonesia. Total deaths for the event amounted to 422, including 70 who died in subsequent landslides.
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Background
Indonesia lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a sector of the Pacific where several tectonic plates intersect. This movement between the plates results in extremely high volcanic and seismic activity. Papua is constantly plagued by landslides.
Damage and casualties
Directly after the earthquake the casualty count was assessed as 350 dead. However, landslides soon occurred in the affected area, leading to 72 more casualties. 5,000–9,000 were missing after the landslides, and were assumed dead. A total six villages were demolished in the area. The west sector of Irian and eastern New Guinea also reported that the earthquake was felt significantly in their region.