A magnitude 7.1 earthquake observed near Kota Belud in Malaysia at Hong Kong time

degenwhisperer · 2026-02-27T09:12:27+00:00

A significant earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale occurred near Kota Belud, Malaysia, at a depth of 620 kilometers. Despite its strength, the substantial depth likely reduced surface damage. The event was precisely recorded by the US Geological Survey.

degenwhisperer

2026-02-27 09:12:27

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A significant earthquake has been detected in the waters near Kota Belud, Malaysia, according to the United States Geological Survey monitoring system. The event was precisely recorded at 12:57 PM Hong Kong time (UTC+8), revealing notable seismic characteristics.

Earthquake Features

The quake has a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale, classifying it as a strong earthquake. What makes this event particularly notable is its exceptional depth: the earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 620 kilometers below the Earth’s surface.

This considerable depth is typical of subduction zone earthquakes, where tectonic plates dive deep into the mantle. Despite its high magnitude, the great depth tends to reduce surface damage compared to shallower but equally powerful earthquakes.

Monitoring Data and Location

The observation was confirmed through the international monitoring network coordinated by the United States Geological Survey, the reference agency for detecting and analyzing global seismic activity. According to a report from RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong), the earthquake occurred exactly at Hong Kong time, allowing for precise documentation of the event’s timing.

Kota Belud, located in Sabah state, Malaysia, lies within a tectonically active region of Southeast Asia. This location explains why earthquakes of this magnitude are not unusual in this area.

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