Central Indian Ocean Ridge Experiences Four Earthquakes, Assurances of No Threat to Sri Lanka

December 29, 2023

A series of four strong earthquakes rattled the Carlsberg Ridge in the central Indian Ocean on Friday morning (Dec. 29), triggering concerns about seismic activity in the region. However, Sri Lanka's Geological Survey and Mines Bureau has moved swiftly to allay fears, emphasizing that there is no imminent danger to the island nation.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the sequence of earthquakes unfolded with the first registering a magnitude of 4.8 and a depth of 10 kilometers. Subsequent quakes followed, with magnitudes of 5.2, 5.8, and 5.0, respectively.

The USGS detailed that the second and fourth quakes, both measuring magnitudes 5.2 and 5.0, occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, while the third, with a magnitude of 5.8, struck at a depth of 7.7 kilometers. The epicenter of these tremors was reported in the Carlsberg Ridge, situated in the central Indian Ocean.

Authorities from the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau have assured the public that there is no immediate threat to Sri Lanka as a result of these seismic events. While the earthquakes were significant, their occurrence in the central Indian Ocean ridge does not pose a direct risk to the island nation.