7.1-magnitude quake strikes off Sabah Coast in Malaysia

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sabah on Malaysia’s Borneo island early Monday (February 23), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The tremor was recorded at 12:57am (local time). USGS said the epicenter was located less than 100 kilometers northeast of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, at a depth of approximately 619.8 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.

Due to its significant depth, authorities said the likelihood of major damage or casualties is relatively low.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue any tsunami alert, noting that the deep undersea location of the quake poses no tsunami threat.

Malaysia’s Meteorological Department measured the quake at a slightly lower magnitude of 6.8. Mild to moderate tremors were reportedly felt along Sabah’s west coast and in parts of neighboring Sarawak state.

No immediate reports of damage or injuries were available at the time of filing this report.