1979 Yapen earthquake

1979 Yapen earthquake
UTC time1979-09-12 05:17:51
ISC event658645
USGS-ANSSComCat
Local dateSeptember 12, 1979 (1979-09-12)
Local time14:17:51 WIT (Indonesia Eastern Standard Time)
Magnitude7.5 Mw
7.9 Ms
Depth20 km (12 mi)
Epicenter1°40′44″S 136°56′24″E / 1.679°S 136.94°E / -1.679; 136.94
TypeStrike-slip
Max. intensityMMI VIII (Severe)
Tsunami2 m (6 ft 7 in)
Casualties115 killed

The 1979 Yapen earthquake occurred on September 12 at 05:17:51 UTC. It had an epicenter near the coast of Yapen Island in Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Measuring 7.5 on the moment magnitude scale and having a depth of 20 km (12 mi), it caused severe damage on the island. At least 115 were killed due to shaking and a moderate tsunami.