A magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook parts of Malaysia early Sunday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The quake struck shortly before 5 p.m. GMT (early morning local time on Feb. 22) with a depth of 620 kilometers, with its epicenter 55 kilometers north-northwest of Kota Belud in Sabah. No tsunami warning was issued, and no immediate damage was reported.
Deep Earthquakes Reduce Surface Impact
At 620 kilometers deep and far from major population centers, the earthquake’s depth typically reduces seismic shaking intensity. These factors likely contributed to the absence of damage in the affected region.
Aftershocks Commonly Follow
The U.S. Geological Survey reported no immediate damage or tsunami threat from this earthquake. Aftershocks are common following major seismic events.