2.7-magnitude quake shakes Johor at 7:29am, 6th incident in a week

Yet another mild earthquake has shaken Johor, Malaysia, on the morning of Aug. 30. This makes it the sixth of its kind in one week.

The quake struck at 7:29am today, about 2km north-west of Segamat, Johor, according to a Facebook post by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

The depth of the earthquake was measured at about 10km, with its epicentre recorded at latitude 2.5 degrees north and longitude 102.8 degrees east.

Its tremors were felt in regions around Segamat, MetMalaysia said, adding that it will continue to monitor the situation.

Series of quakes

A series of weak earthquakes have hit Johor in the past week, with the first and strongest so far occurring on the morning of Aug. 24 at a 4.1 magnitude.

Its tremors were felt in Johor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, and southern Pahang.

Four other jolts have struck the state since then, with the latest two being a 2.5-magnitude quake on Aug. 28 and a 3.4-magnitude quake on Aug. 29.

Both incidents similarly occured close to Segamat and had a depth of 10km.

The earthquakes so far have been under 5.0 magnitude, ranging from 2.5 to 4.1 magnitudes.

The quakes have been found to be caused by tectonic energy released due to crustal movement, and not volcanic activity, according to the Johor Mineral and Geoscience Department (JMG).

Proactive preparation

State officials have confirmed that no injuries or damage have been reported so far.

Malaysia's ELMU University disaster management programme coordinator and senior lecturer Rabieahtul Abu Bakar has also urged for the country to develop a free-broadcast early warning system, including a sirens and a rapid notification system, to warn the public of incoming quakes.

She further urged Malaysians to move towards being proactively prepared for quakes rather than reactive, The Star reported.

Parents, teachers and schools are advised to guide children on disaster preparedness and the public must understand the "Drop, Cover, Hold On" safety procedure during an earthquake, Rabieahtul added.

Top image via Malaysian Meteorological Department/Facebook