Magnitude 6.0 earthquake strikes off Somalia’s Puntland coast

GAROWE, Somalia — A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck offshore about 145 kilometres from the coastal town of Alula in Somalia’s Bari region, Puntland authorities said, adding that the tremor was not felt on land.

Puntland’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Abdinasir Yusuf Haji Giriin, said the administration was closely monitoring the earthquake and sea conditions amid concerns about possible effects along the coast.

“There was an earthquake and its magnitude reached six. We are closely monitoring information about the earthquake,” the minister said.

No major casualties or damage have so far been reported among coastal communities, although two boats and fishing equipment were damaged in an area near Alula, the minister said.

Giriin said sea conditions were rough in some areas but calm elsewhere. Authorities have warned fishermen against going out to sea for several days while officials assess the situation, he said.

The minister added that people on land did not feel the earthquake because its epicentre was far offshore. Some people at sea, however, reported unusual movements in the water, while a boat travelling from Yemen towards Alula encountered difficulties before eventually reaching the coast safely.

GAROWE ONLINE