5.0-magnitude quake jolts IndonesiaJuly 17, 2013 - 09:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A 5.0-magnitude quake was registered early on Tuesday, July 16 off Indonesia’s Sumatra island in the Indian Ocean, Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics said, according to RIA Novosti. According to Indonesian seismologists, the quake’s epicenter was located at the depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and over 100 kilometers (over 60 miles) to the north-east of the East Aceh regency. There were no reports on casualties or any damages to the infrastructure. Meteorologists did not issue a tsunami warning to the world’s sixth largest island. Indonesia is notorious for its high volcanic and seismic activity, as it sits on the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates meet. In 2004, a 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck the eastern coast of Sumatra, causing a tsunami that hit the coasts of Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. It is unclear exactly how many perished in that natural disaster, but the closest estimates are at 230,000 victims. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |